How to Talk to Your Parents About Their Senior Living Options

If the thought of having a conversation with your parents about their senior living options makes you a bit anxious, you’re not alone. Many of us formed our opinions of senior living from long-ago experiences we had visiting elderly relatives in what they used to call “nursing homes.” But comparing today’s best senior living communities with nursing homes is like comparing a five-star resort with a roadside motel.

That’s why it’s so critical to educate yourself on what today’s top senior living options have to offer — and be prepared to convey all of the options for senior living to your parents. Here are five strategies to help you do exactly that. 

1. Begin With the Basics

Get started by making a list of all of the communities in the area you’re considering — and then explore their websites to see the different senior living options they offer. Stonebridge at Montgomery, for example, offers independent living and assisted living, as well as memory care, skilled nursing, and rehabilitation. Unsure which option is right for you or your loved one? Take a look at this article explaining the different levels of care. 

Once you narrow your list down, it’s time to get on the phone to find out more about availability and pricing. Taking this extra step ensures that you will offer your parents options that are both feasible and available. 

2. Assess Your Parents’ Specific Needs

Prepare for your talk with your parents by creating a list of the unique challenges they may be facing. Has daily living become difficult? Do steps present a challenge? Is their bathroom set up to keep them safe and prevent falls? Are they managing any health needs or concerns they may have, including medication? You may want to also talk to family members to see if they have any additional insights. Compile all of the information you’ve gathered and make a list to guide you when discussing senior living options with your parents.

3. Set the Right Tone

Arrange to meet with your parents in person, if possible, and at a time when everyone is feeling relaxed and not rushed. While you certainly want to be empathetic, maintain a calm and optimistic tone. Once you have outlined your concerns — as well as possible solutions — be ready to listen. Give your parents time to think over all of the information you’ve provided them — and don’t pressure them to make a quick decision. 

4. Start the Conversation

This isn’t a lecture. It’s a conversation. If you’re struggling to get a good discussion going, start by asking open-ended questions like these: 

• Is it ever challenging to manage the steps to the bedroom or keep up with the house or yard? 
• Has driving become more difficult, especially at night? Would you socialize more if you didn’t have to worry about driving?  
• Would your life be easier and more fun if you had less to manage and take care of?
• Would you like to get out more and do things like play cards, learn to paint, try a yoga class, etc? 

5. Show Your Parents What Today’s Options for Senior Living Have to Offer

Senior living options have changed dramatically over the last few decades. Today’s top senior living options are cheerful, resort-like communities with a mission of helping residents get the best out of life. Paint a picture for your parents of what life would look like at a senior living community like Stonebridge at Montgomery. Would your parents enjoy an afternoon at the heated indoor pool before joining friends for dinner? How about a quiet morning at the library before preparing for an evening performance or movie night? Show them the endless services and amenities, which list all of the activities and events available. They may be surprised — and interested in — the dozens of options for socializing, exercising, creating, learning, and just enjoying life. 

6. Arrange Visits to Their Top Options for Senior Living

After giving your parents time to process everything you talked about, ask if they’d like to visit any of their top senior living options to see for themselves what they have to offer. At Stonebridge at Montgomery, for example, it just takes a minute to schedule a tour to see the campus, talk with residents, and even enjoy a meal. 

Life at Stonebridge at Montgomery

From working in the greenhouse to swimming in the heated, indoor pool, there’s always something interesting to do at Stonebridge at Montgomery. Check out our activities calendar to see the full range of options available at our campus in Skillman, New Jersey, which includes an art studio, fitness center, multiple dining options, walking trails, and more. Click through our online photo gallery to get a glimpse of the beauty of our campus. Or, contact our team today to schedule a personal tour and see for yourself. We’d love to show you and your parents around!