Talking to your parents about Independent Living Communities
Country Meadows Retirement Communities
For more information about the author, click to view their website: https://www.countrymeadows.com/communities/south-hills-pa
Feb 26, 2024
Pennsylvania - Greater Pittsburgh Area
Talking to your parents about independent living
communities
By: Country Meadows | cost of senior living, For Adult Children, Independent Living, Senior Living, senior living communities
For adults with aging parents, there are several difficult
– although necessary – conversations that must be had around planning for the
future. One of those conversations is about making the transition to senior
living. And with multiple care factors to consider and a range of options
for independent living communities to choose
from, this discussion may seem all the more daunting. At Country Meadows, we
have decades of experience in helping families make the right decisions for
their senior living journey. Here of some ways to help ease into the
conversation of planning for senior living.
Find the right time and use the right tone
When discussing sensitive subjects, especially ones so
deeply personal, it’s best to enter the conversation knowing that it
may not be easy for either yourself or your aging loved one. Be sure to find a
time where there are no other distractions and you can sit down and have a
meaningful experience. For instance, attempting to have this discussion during
a family function or before an important event may cause clouded judgement as
its already such a momentous time. If this is the very first time you’ll be
having a conversation about independent living communities, these preparations
can make all the difference in how your words are received.
It’s also important to understand there may be resistance
from your parents or loved one when discussing independent living communities.
If the discussion becomes emotional, be sure to stay calm while directing the
conversation.
Do your own research on independent living communities
It’s a good idea to walk into a situation prepared, and
discussing independent living communities with your parents is no different.
Researching amenities, activities and levels of available care if needed will
help you provide solid answers when questions arise. Additionally,
understanding the differences in pricing among the many independent living
communities available will help you be realistic about what options are
affordable. Once your parents are ready to be a part of the process, you’ll already be
prepared for a more positive prospecting experience.
Anticipate what your parents are looking for in independent living
communities
While your parents or elders may not have explicitly
expressed what they’re looking for in a senior living community experience,
there are reference points that can help you understand what they may need from
independent living communities. For instance, gauging their level of
independence will be important when it comes to determining the type of care
that they’ll need now or in the future – and this may differ from what your
parents feel their level of independence is. Knowing, however, what aspects within
the independent living communities you’re researching may bring a compromise
between your points of view. This can help to keep these conversations
respectful of what you feel is best and also what your parents’ wishes are. If
you know that your parents are social, active or enjoy dining out often,
leading your research with independent living communities that feature those
amenities can be a great entry point.
Be ready to have multiple discussions
Rome wasn’t built in a day, and it’s very likely that planning retirement won’t happen in a single sitting
either. There are many aspects that go into making a decision on
senior living. Between the initial conversation, understanding the options
available, visiting prospective campuses and financial considerations, there
will be a lot of time invested in the process. Outside of these factors, the
emotional aspects may leave you having to revisit this conversation with your
loved ones either when they’re ready to think about independent living
communities or when they’re willing to at least continue the discussion. Being
able to listen and empathize will be very important in ensuring that everyone
feels respected and heard.
Ultimately, understanding your parent’s emotional needs in
addition to their physical needs will be crucial in navigating these difficult
conversations effectively. And when you’re ready to make a decision on
independent living communities, Country Meadows is here to help.
With nine locations in
Pennsylvania and one in Frederick, Maryland, Country
Meadows has consistently been recognized as one of the best
independent living communities for seniors. Not only are our independent living
communities affordable, but they’re also designed for each resident to feel
connected to neighbors while still having space all their own. Our campuses are
pet friendly, as well, so residents can bring their furry friends along. In addition to independent living communities, Country Meadows also offers many different services including memory support, rehabilitation services, assisted living and personal care as well
as restorative care options. With this
comprehensive approach, our independent living communities are able to give a
range of care to all residents.
If you or a loved one are looking for more information on independent living communities or specifically more information on Country Meadows, contact us today. We can help you learn more about the services we offer, schedule a tour of our independent living communities and answer any questions you may have. We look forward to hearing from you.
- To view the original version of this article visit www.countrymeadows.com/blog/talking-to-your-parents-about-independent-living-communities
- Seniors Blue Book was not involved in the creation of this content.
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