How To Take The Next Step
Having a plan ensures both you and your parents feel confident with the decision when it’s time to move, particularly if their health circumstances change. Use these helpful tips to approach the topic and begin an open dialogue.
- Start early. Ask your loved one how they envision their future and discuss different options. Do they want to stay at home? Would they consider downsizing? Would a senior living community be a good fit? If you begin the conversation before you have any major concerns, they will have time to explore their options and then you can put together a collaborative plan. Guide your conversations with questions that allow them to express their thoughts and apprehensions.
- Learn about different options in senior living. As you educate yourself, you’ll likely find a range of options from in-home care to assisted living and memory care, all of which include different types of senior care services. Be realistic about the amount of help your loved one truly needs to ensure the best match. Also, consider touring the communities together to share your opinions and perspectives.
- Set up a time to talk. Tell them about your concerns beforehand so they can start thinking about what they envision for their future. If they feel blindsided by the conversation, they could become defensive. Inform siblings and family members about your planned meeting so they are aware, even if they can’t attend.
- Sit down to talk in person. Choose a time when you are both well-rested and can talk without interruption. You may want to meet at a neutral site outside of their home or involve a close non-family member, such as an attorney, physician, minister or friend to help facilitate the conversation.
- Ask questions and listen closely. While expressing your concerns about your parent or family member, let them know you care about their well-being and want to hear their thoughts on their future. Also, open body language is important — no crossed arms or hunched shoulders. Sample questions:
“If you decide you would like to move, where do you see yourself living?”
“What things do you need help with around the house?”
“How has it been for you living at home?”
“Have you considered whether you’d like to be around other people your age?”
6. Listen carefully. Let your loved one express their thoughts and plans rather than providing your immediate solution. Reassure them that you are their partner and that you want to work together to address any specific need or issue. Be patient and respectful — you can always restart the conversation if it gets too heated or overly emotional.
7. Talk again. And again. Although deciding next steps with one conversation would be ideal, you will likely need multiple discussions. It’s okay to take the time to develop a mutually agreeable plan unless you have an urgent health issue or safety risk to address with your parent or loved one at home.
Jumpstarting the conversation about senior living may be difficult, but you can help your parent or loved one navigate their next steps and devise a plan that works for everyone. Contact us if you have additional questions or would like more information about The Crossings at North River and how we can be a comfortable, convenient option for your loved one’s retirement needs.