Are you currently dreading the idea of having “the talk” with your parents regarding senior assisted living? Well, you’re not alone. Most caregivers worry about bringing up this discussion with their parents.
So, how do you bring up the idea of assisted retirement homes for them? Here are just a few tips:
Before The Conversation
Do your homework. Before you initiate the conversation about housing options for older adults, prepare yourself:
- Create a list of your concerns for your aging parent. For example: Is their home no longer a safe environment for them? Do they keep making mistakes when taking medication on their own?
- Educate yourself on assisted retirement home options out there. As you learn more about senior assisted living options, you’ll get ideas about what will fit your parent best.
- Learn how important the environment is for seniors. Location and environment influence everything from physical safety to mental health to longevity.
During The Conversation
Once you have done your research regarding the type of independent retirement communities that might be a fit, it’s time to have the conversation with your parents using these tips:
- Talk in person – not by phone, text, or e-mail. Pick a day when you and your parent are well-rested and relaxed. Block out a time and a location where you can talk without interruption.
- Empathy, not sympathy. No parent wants their child to feel sorry for them, but if you can come from a place of empathy, your parents will be much more receptive to the conversation.
- Don’t rush into deciding. While you may be ready to move ahead, your parents might still need time to think things through.
After The Conversation
Having the conversation can be hard, but you should be happy you have now taken the first steps forward. Here are some tips for after the conversation:
- Be prepared to have more than just one conversation together regarding independent retirement community options. Understand that this is a process.
- Be careful of information overload during other conversations you may have together down the road, regarding housing options for older adults. Sharing a little basic information upfront can be helpful but overloading the conversation with research and statistics is overwhelming.
- If they are open to it, feel free to share your research with them. Pull up the websites of assisted retirement homes, such as Queens Avenue Retirement Residence, that you feel would best suit their needs.
Queens Avenue Retirement Residence: Helping Oakville Seniors Lead Better, More Fulfilled Lives
Are you or your loved one considering relocating to an independent retirement community? Then consider Oakville Retirement Home for your new home. Contact us today to learn more about the benefits of our balanced-focus approach to retirement living and request an information package on Queens Avenue, book a personal tour, or inquire about a respite stay.
