Talking to Your Parent
When it comes time to talk to your parent about assisted living, there are several things you can do to make the conversation easier.
Talk in Person
Never discuss moving to assisted living over the phone. This discussion may be emotionally charged and is incredibly personal. Talking over the phone will only make the situation more difficult.
Address their Concerns
Ask your parent if they have had any concerns about their current lifestyle. They could be nervous about the same issues that you are regarding their current situation at home. Discuss how an assisted living facility could address those issues.
Remain Positive
Always remain optimistic. Be empathetic to the worries that your parent has, but not overly sympathetic. Show you care without pitying them.

An upbeat attitude goes a long way when discussing a move to assisted living with your parents.
Consider Your Words
Some parents may react negatively to the phrases “assisted living” or “nursing home.” Try referring to them by their more modern names of “senior living, “life plan community,” or “retirement-style living” instead. This type of language is often perceived as more positive and focused the freedom that your parent will gain from the move (which they will!).
Involve Others
It may be helpful to have siblings or other family members involved in the conversation. However, only involve those who are closely involved in your parent’s life. You do not want your parent to feel like they are being pressured.
If your parents have a doctor they know and trust, it may be possible to involve them in the decision-making process as well. Their doctor can discuss how an assisted living community could help care for specific medical concerns your parent may have.
Avoid Information Overload
Understand that it will probably take multiple conversations to come to a decision. Don’t try to push every talking point into one discussion.
If your parent becomes overwhelmed, they may become more resistant or just agree to move in order to end the conversation. It may be hard to bring up the topic again later if they had a negative view of the first conversation.
Break up your talk into multiple discussions. This will take time. Therefore, it is important that you start having these conversations early, before moving to assisted living becomes urgent. You need time to weigh every option and decision with care.
After the Conversation
After your initial conversation, the process isn’t over. It often takes several conversations and tours of assisted living facilities to come to a decision that everyone is comfortable with. Remember that this is their move.
Keep Your Parent Involved
Keep your parent involved in the process of choosing an assisted living facility. Make sure that all their worries are addressed through the tours and meetings, regardless of how small. Find a facility that both meets their needs and makes them comfortable.

Keeping open lines of communication with your parent before, during, and after a move is important.
Continue the Conversation
Many decisions need to be made when a parent moves to an assisted living community. It’s important to keep the lines of communication open with your parent. Encourage your them to come to you with any of their concerns during this process. Keep asking questions about how they are feeling, what their worries are, and work toward finding a solution that works best for them.