Some discussions in life can be more difficult than others. Families talking with their parents about senior living may be one of them, but it doesn’t have to be that way.
While the senior living conversation is a serious one, it can also be the beginning of a positive lifestyle change for loved ones and their families.
When to have the senior living conversation
As families watch their loved ones struggle with daily tasks or chronic conditions, they often know it’s time to talk about senior living. Yet, they may hesitate. In fact, many families put off the senior living conversation until a defining incident or crisis occurs, requiring a rushed decision.
The best time to have the senior living conversation, however, is before it’s actually needed. It’s much easier to reach a decision when the time arrives if the family and parents have already talked about the options.
Why we hesitate to have the senior living conversation
There are several reasons why adult children may hesitate to have this conversation with their parents. The following are a few common fears and advice for how best to respond:
- They feel they are taking on the role of the parents. Remember, you are only playing a supportive role. Whenever possible, this is your parents’ decision to make.
- They assume their parents won’t want to leave their home. You may be surprised to learn how worried and anxious your parents have been about living at home alone.
- They’re afraid it will lead to an argument. Plan ahead for differing views and prepare ways to diffuse emotions and keep the conversation positive.
- They don’t want to hurt the relationship with their parents. Acknowledge that this can be a hard decision. Let them know you only want the best for them and ask how you can help.
- They don’t want to go against their wishes. If your parents aren’t receptive to senior living at this time, ask if you can see how things go and revisit the topic in six months.
Tips for having a productive senior living conversation
Review the following suggestions to help your family have positive and productive conversations with your parents.
- Plan ahead. Gather as much information as possible about senior living. Anticipate questions that might arise and be prepared with answers.
- Be a great listener. People want to know they’ve been heard. Listen carefully to what your parents are saying – and what may be left unsaid.
- Remind your parents it is their decision to make. A productive senior living conversation allows your parents the freedom and respect to make their own choice, whenever this is possible.
- Plan on several conversations. Give everyone time to think about the topic and plan on revisiting the issues discussed at an agreed upon future date.
- Create a safe and open environment for the discussion. Listen carefully for reasons not clearly stated. Instead of disagreeing with moving to a senior living community, a child may be struggling to accept that their parents need help, or the parents may worry they’ll lose their independence. These underlying issues must be addressed first.
- Consider and discuss all options. Be open to exploring all care options. Discuss how each alternative might work or agree to a trial run and then revisit the pros and cons.
- Match needs and preferences to a community’s benefits. If your parents are experiencing difficulty in shopping for food and necessities, preparing healthy meals, or have become isolated from friends, it can be very helpful to discuss the healthy and delicious meals a community offers and the many opportunities provided to meet and make new friends.
- Acknowledge this can be a difficult decision. The senior living conversation can be emotional. It is a life-changing decision but one that can greatly increase the quality of life for everyone.
- Talk about how the family will offer its support. Reassure your parents that the family will still be there for support. Talk about the fun activities you can share or other ways to spend time together.
- Offer to gather more information or find answers to questions. There likely will be questions after your first senior living conversation. Offer to get answers or arrange a senior living community tour so everyone can see daily life firsthand.
Retirement living in Wadsworth, Illinois
Galloway Senior Living, locally owned and operated, provides luxury and quality care for families in our community.
Assisted Living at Galloway Senior Living offers beautiful and contemporary private residences that range from alcove studios to two-bedrooms and include high-end stainless-steel appliances, maple hardwood cabinets, cultured marble countertops and thoughtfully curated décor and colors.
Our Memory Care community offers a family kitchen, dining room, walking garden, and lounge.
Our services include:
- 24-hour certified nursing assistants, on-staff licensed nurses, medication management, and on-site physician visits
- COVID-19 safety protocols
- Assistance with daily tasks
- Readily available safe transportation
- A fall-reduction program
- In-unit emergency response systems including an electronic monitoring system for exit doors
- On-site entertainment and activities personalized to reflect the residents’ preferences
- Housekeeping and linen services including personal laundry
Amenities you’ll find at Galloway Senior Living include:
- Country Café and Convenience Store
- Salon and Spa
- Theater with 85” television
- Activity and Craft Center
- Game Room
- Library and Business Center
- Fitness Center
If you or your family is considering retirement living in Wadsworth, Illinois, we hope you will visit our community at Galloway Senior Living. We are a trusted resource and are here to answer any questions.
We also invite you to download our complimentary information, Family Decision Toolkit: How to Choose the Right Senior Living Community.
