How to Start the Assisted Living Conversation


Starting the conversation about moving into an assisted living community can be a very difficult process for family members. Although your heart is in the right place, it is often a challenge for elderly parents to look at this change in a positive light. Here is some useful advice from assisted living specialists in Morris County, New Jersey.


  1. Assess their situation: First, ask yourself why you are considering assisted living. Is it because your parents’ house is too big to manage and maintain? Has one of your parents developed a particular illness or condition that requires long term treatment? This will help you formulate your concerns when you speak to your parents – concerns that they likely share. If your parents are reluctant to move, find out exactly why that is and try to address it directly and with compassion.

  2. Don’t rush: The perfect time to start the conversation is when your parent or parents are still able to manage without care services. This makes the conversation low-pressure and non-threatening. It gives each person time to think about the options and consider each other’s opinions.

  3. Make it about them: You may be the one bringing up the conversation, but it’s important to remember that it’s all about your parents. Ask them about their wishes – it’s all about you helping them. This makes it easier for them to talk about assisted living without feeling as if they are being forced into making the change right then and there.

  4. Do your research: There are many types of assisted living communities out there, so it’s a good idea to do some research online and find communities that you feel would appeal to your parents. Look at the type of services offered, if they have a strong community feel or not, and what the living arrangements are like. Often, people have strong misconceptions about assisted living – and the reality can be a pleasant surprise!

  5. Get them involved: Many parents feel sidelined when it comes to finding an assisted living facility, so it’s best to keep them involved in the process as much as possible. For example, knowing that they would like to stay in the area, if they would like to attend lots of social events or if they would prefer a 2-bedroom apartment to a 1-bedroom are all useful bits of information that you can incorporate into your search.

  6. Go for a personal tour: After you have found a few communities that look like they meet your criteria, take your parents for a personal tour. Not only does this give everyone a chance to see what daily life is like and what services are offered, it also gives you a chance to ask as many questions as you would like. This is your chance to address every concern from financing to their community life calendar.

Schedule a personal tour of our senior living community in Morris County today

At Lester Senior Living, we encourage all prospective residents and their families to book a personal tour of our senior community which offers independent living, assisted living and memory care. Our staff and residents pride themselves on a welcoming atmosphere, and are happy to answer any questions about our community life and support services.

For more information about JCHC’s Lester Senior Living, contact us today to request a personal tour, or visit our website at: https://jchcorp.org

Original content is available on https://jchcorp.org/how-to-start-the-assisted-living-conversation/

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