U.S. Census, by 2030, about 1 in 5 U.S. adults will have reached retirement age. If your parents are a part of this generation, it’s important to consider the possibility that they might eventually require some form of senior care. 

On the other hand, you may have already noticed signs that your parent might be unable to continue to age in their current home. If this is the case, they might benefit from moving into an assisted living community. These communities are designed to give older adults the assistance they need to continue to live their lives to the fullest! 

At HarborChase Senior Living, our assisted living communities are redefining the concept of luxury senior living. By providing signature hospitality and care, we support residents with daily tasks so they can live healthier lifestyles and celebrate every day.

Starting the Conversation About Assisted Living

Ideally, any conversations around moving to an assisted living community should happen as early as possible, even if your parent or family member hasn’t shown signs of concern. This can help you plan for the future and provide a realistic roadmap for your family, making it easier should the time ever come that your parent needs senior care. 

Before initiating a conversation, recognize that the topic of aging can be an emotional and overwhelming subject for many. Nobody wants to admit they’ve reached a point where they’re unable to continue living independently or complete daily tasks.

Keeping this in mind, make sure the conversation is open and respectful. By framing an emotional topic in a way that allows all opinions, thoughts, and feelings to be heard and respected, you’ll be able to discuss assisted living in a constructive and progressive way. Below are some additional tips to promote a successful conversation.

Be Empathetic

Put yourself in your parent’s shoes. Understand they are going through a variety of emotions and thoughts, and think about how you would like to be spoken to if you were in this situation. Carefully listen to their opinions, questions, and thoughts, and answer in a way that shows empathy and understanding. 

Create a Two-Sided Conversation

Try beginning the conversation with an open-ended statement rather than a direct, “It’s time that you move into an assisted living community.” Open-ended questions and comments will create a calm conversation and allow you to better understand the level of care they might need. 

It will also allow your loved one to honestly and openly express any health concerns, struggles to complete daily tasks, or anything else hindering their lifestyle. Here are some examples to use:

• “I read an article about luxury senior living the other day; I think this is something that could benefit your retirement lifestyle. What do you think?”

• “Have you been feeling alright lately? Is there anything that I could help you with around the house?”

• “I noticed the walkway outside wasn’t shoveled, and I’m afraid you might slip and fall. Did you not get to it, or do you find it more challenging these days to get outside and shovel?”

Their Well-Being is the Priority

Make sure to express to your parent or loved one that you are starting this conversation for one reason – their health and well-being are important to you. 

With that end goal in mind, explain the many benefits of living in an assisted living community. For example, wellness programs and exercise classes to promote active living, and clubs, classes, and activities to encourage connection.

Taking the Next Steps

After deciding that a move to an assisted living community is the best option for your loved one, it’s time for you to embark on the next step in this journey: planning! Research with your loved one to find a senior living community that fits their needs, lifestyle, interests, and passions. 

At HarborChase, our luxury senior living communities promote an active lifestyle. Residents can enjoy amenities like fitness centers and classes, enriching activity groups, and social events where they can meet friendly faces and form lasting friendships! 

We invite you to visit our website to find a HarborChase community near you and start celebrating senior living with us!