Talking to your parents about assisted living can be tough. Many parents are resistant to this transition because they feel as if they are being forced out of their homes. Preparing for this conversation is going to be key to making this conversation easier. Here are our tips for talking to your parents about assisted living.
Know Your Options
It is best to educate yourself about assisted living options before talking to your parents. Costs can vary greatly from one community to another, so it is a good idea to do some research on the average cost in your area. We encourage you to tour various communities to get a better feel for the services they can provide.
Make Future Plans an Ongoing Discussion
Avoid approaching the conversation as “we HAVE to talk about this.” Rather bring it up on occasion with hypothetical questions. Ask your parents “what would you do if something happens?” Phrases like, “I know this is hard to talk about,” and “we don’t have to decide anything today” will help the conversation feel more natural. Your parents will be less likely to feel as though you are forcing them into making a decision about assisted living.
Lead with Empathy
Your parents never want you to worry about them. If you talk to them with sensitivity and compassion, you’ll show them that you care, and that you are trying to understand any fears and frustrations they may be feeling. The best way to get your parents to open up is to be a great listener. The thought of assisted living can be scary. Try to understand how your parents are feeling about it.
Plan to Talk Again
Not everything can be decided in one conversation. Plan on talking to your parents about assisted living frequently. As they get older, their wishes and needs may change and you should be prepared to reevaluate. Occasional conversations about assisted living now will make it easier to make a decision when the time comes.
At Sharmar Village Senior Care Community, we encourage the family members of our residents to talk to their parents about assisted living. If you need more tips or are ready to schedule a tour, contact us!
We are here to help you and your loved ones find the right senior care community.
