Start the conversation early
Avoid having the first conversation when there is an urgent need for assistance. By speaking to your parents early on, before there is a dire need for retirement living, you and your parents have a chance to understand the pros and cons, do research, visit the residences that suit their needs and make well thought out decisions.
Partner. Don’t Parent.
Remember that as much as you want what is best for them, this is ultimately their decision. Assist your parents in doing research, booking appointments and offer to visit local options with them. Help them think long term, but don’t take over and make it about your needs. Always make the focus on them and be their greatest resource.
Prepare for Crisis Situations
By having conversations over time and by partnering with your parents during low stress times your parents are much more likely to see your advice as a resolution should their needs become more imminent. If you and your parents find yourselves in a crisis situation and you have done the needed research, it is much easier to source the perfect fit for their needs.
Listen Actively. Read their Cues.
Listen to their concerns about making the jump to retirement living. Validate your parents’ fears with phrases like “I understand you don’t want to leave your home”. Avoid using replies that include a “but”. Focus on the positives of retirement living and do not push conversations when they resist. Instead, approach the conversation from a different angle, like a story of a friend’s parent who has moved into retirement and loves it.
Source Solutions.
Offer other alternatives that might allow them to stay in their home longer. Help them read the cost factors of adding care at home vs moving into a retirement residence. Finding a residence that offers trial stays of 1 week to a few months can help your parent by giving them a chance to try it out before selling their home and making a permanent decision.
For more information on how to start a conversation about retirement living, call Megg or Brenda at Pearl and Pine. 905-633-8300