How to Talk to Your Parents About a Move to Assisted Living
Your parents are some of the most important people in your life. It can be tough to bring up the subject of assisted living as they age.
However, assisted living benefits aging parents in so many ways. It’s worth having honest conversations to bring your aging parents up to speed about the advantages of assisted living.
Here’s how you can start these difficult conversations and set your parents up for success.
Don’t Shy Away from Their Feelings
Your parents may experience intense emotions of some kind when you bring up assisted living. This is normal and natural.
Try not to avoid your parents’ feelings as you discuss assisted living. They can feel tough emotions while still recognizing that assisted living may be the best option for them.
It’s also a good idea to get in the habit of validating your parents’ feelings.
For example, if they express anger at the idea of moving to assisted living, you can say, “I understand that you feel betrayed by this. We are trying to improve your health and get you the care that you need. It’s okay to feel angry.”
Validating your parents’ emotions can go a long way in building trust and solid communication. These things can make the move to assisted living much easier.
Give Them Choices and Autonomy
You should include your parents in the decision-making process when you're considering assisted living.
For example, you can give them a list of the assisted living communities you feel would work best for them. Have them visit these communities’ websites, Facebook pages, and blogs for more information. You can even schedule in-person or virtual tours!
Ultimately, your parents are the ones who will spend their time in assisted living. Allow them to voice their opinions about each potential community and respect what they say.
Have Multiple Conversations Over Time
If you continue to bring up the subject of assisted living, your parents may warm up to it over time. It’s best to have frequent, shorter conversations about it after you initially present the idea.
Repeated exposure to the idea of moving to assisted living will make the process less scary and sudden for your aging parents. They may even start coming up with ideas for the move themselves!
Discuss assisted living at neutral times during the day, like mealtimes or during personal grooming routines. This will give your parents plenty of time to process, reflect, and discuss everything without feeling rushed or overwhelmed.
Help Your Parents Learn About the Benefits of Assisted Living
It’s never easy to bring up assisted living for the first time with your elderly parents. If you follow these tips, your conversations will be easier and much more respectful.
Assisted living has a wealth of benefits for seniors and their families. Help your parents learn about the advantages by having these difficult conversations.