Broaching the topic of senior living with an elderly loved one can be difficult—many seniors don’t want to lose their independence. St. Charles Community in Covington, KY, offers independent living apartments and cottages that can simplify the situation. These arrangements encourage active living in a safe environment, featuring outdoor activities, off-campus field trips, religious services, and more.

If you’re feeling nervous about discussing the possibility of senior living with your loved one, these tips can help:

1. Collaborate In The Planning Process: Don’t simply pick an assisted living option and then unleash your plan on your parent. It may be tempting to save your loved one from stress by undertaking the organization yourself, but your parent should play an active role in the process. Look at brochures together. Visit senior living facilities together. Discuss your loved one’s needs together. Is your parent simply lonely and in need of companionship, or do their health problems require home health assistance?
2. Organize Your Thoughts: Some elderly persons may be resistant to the idea of senior living arrangements of any kind. If your parent is recalcitrant, it will help your case to have a few concrete reasons for suggesting the move. Don’t focus on the argument that your parent is incapable of living alone. Focus instead on your own concerns. Language like “It worries me to see you like this” shows genuine concern and can make an impact.
3. Take A Test Run: Once the topic has been opened, ask your loved one to visit a senior living facility with you—no pressure. The aim is simply to explore their options. You need to give your parent time to adjust to the idea of senior living. A positive experience when visiting can go a long way toward winning your parent over. All the while, it’s important to emphasize the fact that ultimately the choice is up to them. Make it clear that you are not forcing any moves and that it’s up to them to determine their own life choices.

Once your loved one has agreed to visit a few facilities, it’s important to set up appointments quickly. If you’re in the Covington, KY, area, consider visiting the independent living apartments at St. Charles Community. These caring professionals would be happy to organize a visit for you and your parent. Visit their website or call (859) 331-3224 to learn more.

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