Of all the conversations you’ll have with your parents, discussing retirement living with them is one of the most difficult, yet most important. Finding the right place for their retirement years will have a substantial impact on their quality of life and happiness as well as yours. If you’re considering approaching your parents about moving to a retirement community, follow the tips below to help your discussion go as smoothly as possible.
Be prepared
Before you approach your parents, educate yourself about what a retirement community has to offer and what options are available in your area. You should also be able to share why you think your parents would benefit from a move to a community and how it will improve their lives.
Start the conversation early
The longer you delay discussing retirement living, the more difficult and rushed your discussion will be. You want your parents to have plenty of time to process the information, and you want them to be as involved as possible in choosing a new home.
Take a team approach
If you have family or loved ones who will also serve as caregivers to your parents, include them in the discussion on when and where your parents should move.
Empathize
Understand that this conversation may be difficult for your parents, and they should be free to express their feelings without judgment. Empathize with their concerns, encourage the positive aspects, and try your best to answer their questions.
Listen
While you may be the one to initiate this discussion, ideally you won’t be the one to do all the talking. Listen to your parents’ questions, concerns, opinions, and feelings concerning their future living situation and you’ll be better equipped to help them find the perfect place. If they don’t have much to say initially, let them know you’re ready to listen whenever they are ready to talk.
Lighten up
This may be a serious topic, but try not to take yourself too seriously. If you’re stiff when you talk to your parents, they’re more likely to feel tense as well. Take a deep breath, relax, and remain positive throughout your discussion.
Discussing retirement living with parents can be difficult, but at Baptist Health we make it easier by providing support for seniors and their loved ones through many different outlets, including Parkway Village. As the only continuing care retirement community in the region, Parkway Village offers the complete continuum of accommodations for seniors. Learn more about Parkway Village, get a full list of amenities, or contact us for more information.
