Senior living has so many amazing benefits. So, it’s easy to see why it would be an ideal living arrangement. Whether you’re the child of senior parents, or ready to make the move to a senior living community yourself, it’s important to know how to effectively approach the topic. Here are three surefire ways to help you start the conversation about senior living, while you gather with loved ones during the holiday season.
Be Informed
Before you raise the topic of senior living, make sure you’ve done your research. There are plenty of myths and misconceptions out there, so be sure to get the facts. Be clear about needs, what level of care might meet those needs, and what communities might be the best fit. Bridge Senior Living offers a variety of services depending on what is needed including independent living, assisted living, memory care, and more. The better you understand what you’re proposing, the easier your conversations will go. Plus, if you’re talking to your parents, they’ll see that you’ve taken the time to think this transition through and research it on their behalf. And they’ll likely be more willing to listen.
Keep it Casual
One great way to talk about senior living is to keep it casual. You don’t want the conversation to feel like an intervention. When you think it’s the right time to talk to your loved ones about making the move to a senior living community, try testing the waters before you dive in. Find out how they feel about the idea and then adjust your conversation accordingly. Every person thinks differently about senior living communities, so don’t be afraid to tailor your strategy to your loved one’s needs and opinions.
Here are a few key questions to help guide the conversation:
- • Are you still enjoying living at home as much as you did a few years ago?
- • Have any of your friends moved into a senior living community?
- • [If yes] Do they make the idea of moving to a similar community sound like a good idea?
- • [If no] Have you ever considered or looked into moving into a senior living community yourself?
- • Anything in particular about senior living communities that keeps you from checking them out?
- • If your healthcare needs change, what are you planning to do?
Listen with Love
Finally, keep in mind that your role in the discussion may be more about listening than speaking. It’s difficult at any age to leave something we’re familiar with and move to a new place. Focus on hearing them. Encourage them to explore and share how the prospect of Senior living makes them feel. Some of their worries might be easy to resolve, but other fears may require further research and a little patience. No matter how right this decision may look on paper, it is a big deal. Give your loved ones the time, information, and support they need and they’ll make the move when they’re ready.
Each Bridge Senior living community has a team ready to help you learn how to best discuss senior living with your loved ones. Find a Bridge Senior living community near you.
