Encouraging Meaningful Conversations with Seniors About Moving Closer

Few conversations are more critical, and sometimes more difficult than discussing a transition in living style for aging family members. 

Whether it’s a move to a space closer to family or into an assisted living community, making a change in where and how one lives is big, and how you handle the conversation matters.

What Are The Stakes?

For many seniors, the prospect of moving from their long-term home represents more than just a simple change of address. Their current residence may hold decades of memories, established routines, and a sense of independence.

The community they’ve built, such as the neighbors they trust to the local shops where they’re recognized and known, has likely formed an important part of their daily life and identity. 

Yet many adult children feel increasing anxiety about their parents’ well-being, particularly if health challenges arise or social isolation becomes a concern. Geographical distance can create a constant feeling of worry about emergency situations and the ability to provide timely support when needed.

Starting The Conversation With a Loved One

What should you do when the time comes to have the conversation about making a move closer to family or an assisted living community? 

While each situation is unique, timing and approach play an important role when initiating the discussion. Here are some key tips:

Begin The Conversation Early

Don’t wait for an emergency or crisis to occur before you start the conversation about assisted living. Ideally, the conversation should begin while parents are still active and healthy, allowing everyone involved to have the time they need to process the conversation and plan without pressure.

When You Talk, Listen More Than You Speak

It’s common to feel that you need to speak up to defend why your fears or concerns have led to this conversation, but try to create space for the conversation to flow naturally. 

Make it easy for your older loved one to express their feelings about assisted living. Their perspective on maintaining independence and quality of life is essential to any successful transition plan.

Focus On The Idea of This Move Being A Partnership

Frame the conversation on the idea of moving to an assisted care community as a partnership, that you are working together to enhance your loved one’s lifestyle rather than trying to make decisions for them. 

This approach should be genuine and help preserve your loved one’s sense of autonomy and dignity throughout the process.

Practical Conversation Starters

When you’re ready to start the conversation around moving to an assisted living community, how you kick off the talk makes all the difference. Here are some ways you can start the conversation in a way that opens the door for an easy and engaging conversation:

“Mom, Dad, I’d love to hear your thoughts about what you are thinking about when it comes to the next phase of your life. What’s most important to you when it comes to where you live and how you live in the next few years?”

“I’ve been thinking about how we can spend more time together as a family. What do you think would make that easier for you? How can I help?”

“Have you started to notice any changes in your ability to keep up with the house or other chores? What do you think about moving closer, whether that’s near us or to a senior care community near our home?”

These make it clear that you are coming to the conversation from a place of caring and concern both for their wellbeing as well as their opinion in the matter. This opens the door to further questions and doesn’t put them in a defensive position.

Common Concerns That May Come Up In The Conversation

Naturally, bringing up a topic like this could cause some concerns or objections to pop up. Knowing how to prepare for each can help you smooth out any conflict before it spirals.

Finances

Be prepared to discuss the financial aspects of a move to assisted living openly. Take the time necessary to prepare your loved one for a move by researching housing costs, tax implications, and any long-term savings they may benefit from by downsizing their home and moving into a more accessible community.

Social Connections

Moving can mean breaking with many long-term friendships that have developed over the years. Be prepared to acknowledge those friendships, and offer ways to help them maintain them even though they might relocate. 

Don’t be afraid to highlight some of the new friendships and social opportunities that may be available, particularly if they are moving into an assisted living community.

Maintaining Independence

One of the biggest challenges of aging is the fear of losing independence. If your loved one shows any fear of losing their independence in daily life, focus on how moving closer may actually create an easier environment for autonomy, as they can get more help when needed while still enjoying their personal lives. 

You can even help them think about what to look forward to in an assisted living community or similar living situation.

Patience Matters When Discussing Next Steps

Above all, make sure to remember that patience plays an important role in any conversation about moving. Whether your loved one is looking to move into more accessible housing near you or to a senior living community, you’ll want to allow them the time to process their thoughts and feelings.

When you create space for the conversation, you make it clear that you value their feelings and needs above your own, which can help them feel more comfortable continuing the conversation past the first chat. 

Over time, you may find that this patience pays off as they make decisions based on everyone’s best interests.

Want To Learn More About Assisted Living? Bailey Pointe Assisted Living at Miracle Hills Can Help!

Transitioning and downsizing doesn’t have to be hard, and with the right community, you can trust that your loved one will enjoy their years in a caring and compassionate environment. 

Here at Bailey Pointe Assisted Living at Miracle Hills, we are committed to creating a safe and supportive community that takes your loved one’s needs to heart.

Want to learn more? Schedule a tour today and see for yourself how the move to assisted living can help everyone feel more at ease in the later years of life, and why Omaha residents trust Bailey Pointe for the best assisted living experience!