Questions to Ask Your Parents When Exploring Assisted Living
Did you know that around 28% of Prescott Valley's residents are over the age of 65, according to the official census? It's a popular retirement destination in Arizona, enticing seniors with a sunny climate, beautiful views, and a friendly community.
This might also be the destination your loved one chooses to call home once they reach their senior years. Aging parent conversations about assisted living aren't always easy for children, so we've put together this guide on the types of questions to ask your parents.
What's Your Ideal Scenario for Assisted Living?
Begin your questions with one that helps your loved one adopt a positive mindset. Allow them to discuss their hopes and dreams of assisted living and what they visualize when they see the perfect senior community. This helps set the scene and will allow you to get a better idea of some of the features and services your parent wants in an assisted living environment.
What Are Your Main Concerns?
It's best to get fears and concerns out in the open, so use this question to let your parent express some of their reservations about senior living.
This question is often an eye-opener and will help you focus on aspects that will alleviate worries for your loved one. Maybe they worry about a lack of caregiving communication with loved ones, which is something you can provide reassurance on when you visit your shortlist of communities.
What Would Make Your New Home Feel Comfortable?
Many seniors have reservations about assisted living because they worry the new apartment will not feel like home. That can often happen when a loved one has lived in the same family property for decades.
Ask this question as a way of understanding how you can help your parent make that adjustment. Perhaps they have a style of decor that will lift their spirits or a favorite chair they prefer when watching television. It might simply be about putting up treasured family photos on the wall.
Do You Want to Live Close to Family?
For most seniors, living close to family will be high on the list, and an answer like that will help you narrow the radius for your search. However, for some, community amenities might matter more, especially if they make it easy for loved ones to visit.
Consider other ways you can help your loved one stay connected with family if some live far away, such as planning regular video calls.
What Daily Routine Do You Want?
For some seniors, a daily routine might be low-key. Perhaps they like the quiet life and want to focus on a handful of passions and hobbies, like art, reading, or exercise. Others may prefer to be at the center of action, joining evening events and socializing with other seniors.
There is no right answer, but your parent's preference will help you find a community that offers the types of amenities and activities that best suit their lifestyle.
Are There Tasks You Need More Help With at the Moment?
Some parents can often be too proud to ask for help if they are struggling with daily tasks, like getting dressed.
However, when considering assisted living, it's essential to find out what your loved one needs. Otherwise, you could secure an assisted living package that's not sufficient and doesn't allow them to lead an independent life in the community. Be empathetic and ask your parent whether some extra daily help might ease their routine.
How Do You Feel About Grocery Shopping, Cooking, and Housekeeping?
Many top communities like ours offer the advantage of restaurant-style dining and regular housekeeping. Often, residents embrace the opportunity to drop these daily chores and delegate them to someone else. So speak to your parent about their priorities.
If unsure, talk through some advantages of having other people take care of things like meal planning. For example, a team of chefs can ensure food is nutritionally balanced and can vary the menu and ingredients.
What Are Your Dealbreakers in a Senior Living Community?
Your loved one may have aspects of community living that are absolute must-haves. There may also be aspects of a community that would elicit an automatic "no" from your parent.
For example, common dealbreakers for many seniors include a lack of:
- Pet-friendly policies
- Private apartments
- Outdoor spaces
- Fitness programs
Find out what these are so that you can research suitable communities and rule out others before you take the time to visit them. That way, you can ensure your search time is well spent.
What Do You Need Nearby to Make Retirement Enjoyable
When searching for a senior living provider, location is just as important as what's on offer inside the community grounds.
Your loved one may want to spend their retirement enjoying some local sights and attractions or trying out some recommended restaurants. For example, near our community in Glassford Place, we have:
- Fain Park
- Urban Forest Lakes Park
- Phippen Museum
- Bronzesmith Fine Art Foundry and Gallery
If your loved one isn't sure, think about their lifestyle.
Are they active? If so, being close to nature might be important so that they can go on a gentle hike. If they love culture, maybe a location near museums and art galleries might be a bonus.
Is There a Preferred Time to Make the Move?
Seniors mustn't feel rushed with their decision or the move date, but dates help with assisted living planning.
Allow your loved one to take control of the situation and set a date that suits them. They may prefer to avoid particular dates, like religious holidays or birthdays, and they'll also want a realistic moving schedule.
Bookmark These Questions to Ask Your Parents About Senior Living
The earlier you begin a conversation about assisted living, the better. It's never too early, and long-term planning will help family decision-making. Use these eldercare tips and questions to ask your parents as your starting point.
Set in a stunning valley with breathtaking views, Glassford Place has much to offer, including a range of on-site activities, wellness programs, and an activity center. Why not book a tour of our community for you and your parent?