Many families have stood where you might be today. As loved ones grew older, their need for assistance increased as well – leading to questions about whether they should remain living at home.

Conversations about transitioning to an independent living, assisted living or memory care community are often challenging. For some families, parents are resistant to the idea of moving. But by approaching this topic with patience, understanding and highlighting the benefits of senior living, you can help your loved ones reach a decision that will also support their quality of life.

If you’re wondering how to deal with stubborn parents who are hesitant or push back against even having the conversation, the following tips can help navigate these often emotional waters.

How to deal with stubborn parents about senior living: 12 tips

Tip #1: Exercise compassion and empathy

The first step in discussing senior living is to approach the conversation with empathy. Understand that leaving home and moving into a new environment can be overwhelming and frightening for anyone.

Be a good listener: Encourage them to share fears or ask questions without being interrupted. Listening actively shows that you respect their feelings and are genuinely interested in their perspective.
Validate their emotions: Reassure your parents that feeling scared or uncertain is natural. Validating their emotions helps to build trust and opens the door for a more constructive conversation.
Share your own feelings: Let your parents know that you are also concerned about their well-being and that your intention is to make sure they have the best life possible.

Tip #2: Focus on the positives

Once you’ve established a foundation of empathy and understanding, highlight the benefits of senior living and how it can improve their quality of life. Consider these strategies:

Match their current needs with examples of the care provided: Discuss how a service offered solves a current problem – such as opportunities to make friends for those feeling lonely or healthy dining programs for those struggling to prepare meals.
Highlight independence: Emphasize that senior living communities help their residents remain more independent. When dealing with stubborn parents, it’s important they understand that they will maintain autonomy while having access to support and services.
Promote social interaction: Discuss the social opportunities available in senior living communities, such as organized activities, clubs and social events that can help combat loneliness and isolation.
Focus on safety and security: Explain how senior living communities can reduce the risks of living alone by providing a safe and secure environment.

Download our complimentary Successful Transitions guide.

Tip #3: Address their reservations

It’s common for your parents to have reservations about moving to a senior living community. Address these concerns openly and honestly:

Acknowledge their fears: Understand their specific worries and discuss any reservations. Whether it’s the fear of losing independence or concerns about affordability, provide reassurances and factual information.
Share success stories: If you know others who have had positive experiences in senior living, share their stories to provide a real-world point of view.
Be transparent about costs: Discuss the financial aspects openly, including the potential savings from not maintaining a home or paying for separate services.

Tip #4: Discuss the benefits

Make sure your parents understand all the advantages of community life they’ll discover, especially when comparing the services if remaining at home.

Health and wellness:

Trained care team: Staff at assisted living and memory care communities are trained to provide the type of assistance needed.
Wellness programs: Exercise and nutrition classes, as well as wellness checks all promote a healthy lifestyle.

Social opportunities:

Activities: Organized events, clubs and outings encourage social connections and friendships.
Community living: Shared dining areas, lounges and outdoor spaces promote social interaction.

Individualized care:

Assisted living: Care is supported for the activities of daily living, such as bathing, dressing and medication management.
Memory care: Residents with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease receive specialized care, including personalized activities and therapies.

Independence with support:

Accessibility: Residents live in age-friendly private apartments with access to community amenities and services.
Transportation services: Scheduled transportation for appointments, shopping, and social outings are available.

Easier lifestyle:

Meals included: Nutritious meals are prepared by professional chefs to cater to dietary needs and preferences.
Housekeeping services: Communities provide regular housekeeping and maintenance services which free up time for residents to spend as they wish.

Safety and security:

24/7 help available: Trained staff are available around the clock to assist when help is needed.
Safe environment: Communities are designed with safety features like handrails, emergency call systems and accessible layouts.

Tip #5: Patience is key

When discussing senior living with resistant parents, get off to your best start – beginning with patience. Keep these tips in mind:

Choose the right time: Pick a time when both you and your parents are calm and not preoccupied with other distractions.
Break the conversation into parts: Instead of trying to cover everything in one discussion, break it down into smaller, manageable conversations over time, so your parents don’t feel overwhelmed.
Empower your parents in the decision-making process: Make sure your parents are involved in discussions and are asked about their preferences and needs. Arrange for them to tour the communities firsthand.

The Charleston Senior Living Community

Locally owned and operated, we offer personalized care by our dedicated team members. Setting a new standard in Assisted Living and Memory Care, we don’t define our residents by their limitations or illness but instead believe in focusing on the positive and the possibility.

The Charleston Senior Community includes private apartments for assisted living residents and for those living with Alzheimer’s or dementia. Your loved ones will benefit from our attention to detail, routine health assessments, delicious dining and daily activity programs as we support everyone to live their best life.

Consider a few of our amenities:

Chef-led dining program
Community movie theater
Salon
Ballroom
Live entertainment
Outdoor patio
Social lounges
Housekeeping

If you or your family are thinking about Assisted living or Memory care, we hope you will consider The Charleston Senior Community. We are a trusted resource and are here to answer any questions, contact us today.

We also invite you to download our complimentary Successful Transitions guide to learn more about making the move to senior living.