| The population of the United States is weighted | | | | and feelings are organized and clear, because the |
| heavily on the side of the elderly. Even some baby | | | | conversation will inevitably turn emotional and you |
| boomers are becoming old enough or disabled enough | | | | want to keep a cool head and a clear sense of |
| that continuing to live at home is a risky proposition. | | | | purpose. |
| For many children of seniors, the onus is on their | | | | A great approach is to put the blame on yourself: |
| back to help their parents see the wisdom in moving | | | | your worries and concerns for them. Parents are |
| to an assisted living facility: but helping parents agree | | | | more likely to be compliant if they see that their living |
| to such a move can be daunting at the very least. | | | | situation is affecting their children. No one likes to be |
| Here are some tips for helping aging parents make | | | | a burden. |
| the transition from home to a retirement community. | | | | Despite your best efforts at diplomacy, many |
| The beginning of any transition always has to be | | | | parents will still remain strongly resistant to the idea. |
| approaching the subject with your parents. This is | | | | If so, back off immediately, but keep trying until they |
| often the most difficult part of the whole process. | | | | agree. Hopefully it will not take a tragic event to |
| Many parents simply don't want to admit that they | | | | convince them, but oftentimes such an occurrence |
| are no longer in a position of being able to live | | | | will provide the final impetus needed to convince |
| independently: it's a matter of pride, and it's also a | | | | them. |
| matter of nostalgia for the comfortable and the | | | | Take your parents on a tour of several of the best |
| familiar. In a perfect world, children of aging parents | | | | assisted living facilities in your area, and listen |
| will have already had this conversation long before a | | | | thoughtfully to their questions and concerns. Once |
| move is needed: so if possible, broach the subject | | | | they see how wonderful many of these places are, |
| well ahead of time. | | | | that will most likely help them decide on their own |
| No matter what the circumstances of the discussion, | | | | that it's time to move on to a new chapter in their |
| treat your parents with respect: do not speak in | | | | lives. |
| language that includes "you must" or "you have to" | | | | It will not be easy, but it will be worth it in the long |
| because they will be immediately put off. It is helpful | | | | run: but it all starts with a conversation. |
| to make a list ahead of time so that your thoughts | | | | |