Tips for Talking About Moving Into Assisted Living

Talking with senior parents about the moving into Assisted Living often presents new communication challenges. Many seniors fear the idea of moving and may initially consider home care instead. However, home care can often become more expensive over time, especially as care needs increase.

In contrast, a senior living community offers consistent support, social connection, and access to amenities—all within a safe, maintenance-free environment. This hesitation and uncertainty about how parents will react can make the topic difficult to bring up, leading some adult children to avoid the conversation altogether.

According to the National Center for Assisted Living, more than 800,000 people live in Assisted Living communities nationwide, with a general growth trend predicted as the population ages, as well as the need for supportive care.

While any move is a major adjustment, the transition to Assisted Living provides seniors with many perks, including a renewed social life, increased independence, and assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs).

Read on to learn our favorite tips for talking to your loved ones about making the move to Assisted Living.

Top Tips for Talking About Making the Move to Assisted Living

Transitioning to a senior living community is a significant life decision, and talking about it openly can make the process easier—here are some top tips to guide the conversation.

Build Trust

You can strengthen your bond with your loved ones by being open, honest, compassionate, and by following through with the promises you make to them. Then, when it comes time to bring up the move to senior living, you’ll (ideally) be on the same page about the decision.

A good way to decide is to visit several Assisted Living communities in person to get a sense of how they function and have the opportunity to talk with residents and the sales team.

Practice Empathy

Many seniors fear a loss of autonomy or independence. Keeping your heart open to hearing your loved ones’ concerns will make them feel better understood and will likely make them more receptive to the idea of moving to Assisted Living.

Educate them on the benefits of an Assisted Living community and how it can support their independence. Living at Notre Dame du Lac Assisted Living Residence allows residents to focus on the activities they love, while daily responsibilities like housekeeping, laundry, and meal preparation are taken care of by our experienced team.

Residents also receive personal care assistance tailored to their needs, including help with bathing, dressing, medication management, and mobility support. With different levels of care available, the community can adjust services as needs change, ensuring each resident receives exactly the support they require.

Additionally, a personalized care plan is developed for every resident, so their physical, emotional, and social needs are thoughtfully addressed. This combination of support and independence helps seniors enjoy a fulfilling lifestyle while knowing they have the assistance they need.

Do Your Research

Getting an idea of how much senior housing can cost is a great place to start. Understanding Assisted Living pricing and floor plans will help you compare options and find the best fit for your loved ones’ needs and budget.

Knowing the general costs and how insurance applies to Assisted Living allows both you and your parents to make informed financial decisions and plan ahead with confidence.

Be sure to explore the different floor plan options available, as layouts and included amenities can affect pricing. You can also learn about the various ways to pay for Assisted Living costs to make the transition more manageable.

Keep an Open Mind

Consider having the conversation in a comfortable setting that your loved ones know well. Start with something like, “I realize it might be a little uncomfortable to talk about, but I won’t know your feelings until you share them. We don’t have to decide anything today, but let’s start a discussion to keep this living option in mind to prepare for the future.”

We know these topics might pose a challenge for your loved ones, especially if it’s your first time around. We hope the preceding tips have given you techniques to use when broaching the topic with your parents.

How to Make Assisted Living Feel Like Home

Moving to Assisted Living is a big transition, but creating a warm, familiar environment can make all the difference. Personalizing your new space helps it feel comfortable and uniquely yours from the start.

Bring along cherished family photos, keepsakes, and sentimental items that hold meaning and spark happy memories. Incorporate personal belongings like your favorite throw blanket, artwork or decorative pieces that reflect your personality.

Get creative with how you decorate your living space—use color, lighting, and cozy textures to create an inviting atmosphere. Involve family members in setting up your new home, turning the process into a shared experience that adds comfort and familiarity.

Here are a few ideas to make your new space feel like home:

• Create a memory wall: Display photos, artwork or mementos that tell your life story.
• Bring your favorite comforts: Whether it’s your favorite chair, books or quilts, familiar items can make a big difference.
• Add personal touches: Use your favorite colors, plants or scents to make your apartment feel warm and welcoming.

With thoughtful touches, your new apartment can quickly become a place where you feel truly at home.

Faith, Friends and Exceptional Health Care in One Community

Notre Dame Health Care provides care services in Assisted Living, Memory Care, Rehabilitation, Skilled Nursing for Long Term Care, Adult, Pediatric, and Perinatal Palliative Care, and Adult and Pediatric Hospice Care. This includes medication management, housekeeping and dining options, among other activities, services, and amenities.

Saint Julie Billiart, founder of the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur, remains a deep inspiration for our mission. Because of our caring staff, lush grounds, unique and tastefully designed apartments, outstanding cuisine, and variety of social activities, Notre Dame du Lac Assisted Living Residence feels like a true home filled with friends, comfort, safety and love.

Contact us today to learn more about how Notre Dame du Lac Assisted Living Residence can support your loved ones today.