As your loved one ages, it can become difficult to give them all of the support they need to stay safe and healthy. While bringing up elderly care can be uncomfortable at first, it’s a necessary step to provide your parent or family member with the critical resources needed to maintain their well-being.

As the go-to retirement home for seniors within the University of Texas community, Longhorn Village in Austin, TX, is here to help you prepare for the elderly care talk with your loved one. Below, their caring staff has shared some of their best tips for navigating a smooth discussion for both parties:

• Choose Your Words Carefully: Certain words are friendlier than others, and by choosing your language carefully, you can make the proposition sound more appealing to your loved one. For instance, referring to housing options as “ a facility”, “units” may be less inviting than saying “rooms” or “villas.” Likewise, you might say “doctors” and “nurses” instead of “medical staff.”  
• Discuss Different Options: Your parent or loved one may not yet be at a point in their life where they need assisted living. But perhaps you’d like to have them in a place where they don’t have to worry about yard work, and where they’ll also have access to prompt medical help when needed. There are many different senior housing options available in Longhorn Village from Independent living or assisted living and will still grant your family members access to the things they enjoy most, including recreational activities and entertainment.  
• Have Patience & Revisit the Topic: Due to the sensitive nature of the matter, discussing elderly care likely won’t be a “one and done” conversation. As such, it’s best to approach it gently and patiently, and maintain a continuing two-way dialogue. In time, your senior will likely warm up to the idea as they begin to see all of its advantages.

Lastly, one of the best ways to encourage your senior parent or loved one to consider elderly care is to discuss the many benefits of being a part of the exclusive UT community at Longhorn Village. With perks like discount education programs, access to special events, and a network of top-notch medical experts, the community is far from a typical retirement home. Schedule a tour by calling (512) 266-5600, or find out more by visiting them online.