Questions to Ask Your Parents Before Choosing Senior Care
As a settled adult, you've always made it a point to not only spend quality time with your elderly parents but also to help around in the house. However, there's only so much you can do, and you have your own life to attend to as well.
To avoid burning out and to ensure your parents get the help they need, you might be considering assisted living preparation. Talking to aging parents can be difficult, though, especially if they insist they're doing fine.
To facilitate productive conversations, we've prepared a few questions to ask your parents regarding senior care planning in Los Angeles, CA. These should give everyone a better picture of what your parents need and how to proceed.
How Do You Feel About Needing Extra Help?
Before jumping straight into the eldercare discussion, first start with an open conversation about how your parents feel. It's very common and natural for older adults to feel apprehensive, embarrassed, or even resistant to the idea of needing care, so you need to approach the subject with care.
This is a gentle question that allows you to address emotions first. You'll show respect for your parents' independence while easing into the discussion.
Plus, understanding their mindset will help you navigate the process with empathy and collaboration rather than conflict.
What Daily Tasks Are Becoming More Difficult?
Now that you've opened the conversation about seeking outside help, you'll want your parents to identify which aspects of daily living are becoming challenging. This might include:
- Personal hygiene
- Cooking
- Driving
- Managing medications
- Housekeeping
Their answers will help you determine the level of care they need. Senior living communities will offer anything from light assistance to full-time care or memory care, so rest easy knowing there's a solution for every senior.
What Are Your Health Concerns Right Now?
Most seniors face health concerns, and several of these issues require expert assistance. So, encourage your parents to speak honestly about their physical and mental health.
Additional family caregiving questions to ask here include:
- Are you dealing with chronic conditions, like diabetes or arthritis?
- Are you experiencing memory issues, mobility limitations, or depression?
Knowing the answers will help you choose communities that can handle your parents' specific needs.
How Much Social Interaction Do You Want?
Social interactions are directly related to happiness, especially in older adults. However, social needs vary widely, with some seniors wanting daily activities and group outings, while others prefer solitude or just occasional visits.
This is why it's important to establish what kind of social life your parents envision. It'll help determine whether an active community or a quieter environment is the better fit.
What Are Your Expectations for Meals and Diet?
It goes without saying that nutrition is vital for your well-being, but these needs evolve as you get older. In addition, your parents may have specific dietary restrictions, preferences, or expectations around meal times and food quality.
Having the above information means you can get them into a senior living community that provides healthy, enjoyable meals that are tailored to their needs, especially if they have diabetes, food allergies, or cultural preferences.
How Important Is It to Stay Close to Family and Friends?
Location is of the utmost importance when it comes to support systems. So make sure to ask your parents how far they're willing to be from their current community, family, and friends.
If they have strong connections to a place of worship, neighborhood group, or local doctors, then that should be factored into the decision-making process. Otherwise, there's more flexibility if they're willing to build a new support group in their new location.
What Does a "Good Day" Look Like to You?
Every senior is unique, meaning that a "good day" may seem mediocre to one individual while it seems like an excellent time to another. Asking this question can clarify your parents' personal values and lifestyle priorities.
For example, do they enjoy gardening, walking, reading, or attending religious services? Are they searching for new hobbies to improve their overall quality of life?
How they answer this question can guide you toward a care setting that supports their routines. Plus, you'll be better able to find a community that has activities that bring them joy and fulfillment.
What Can You Afford, or What Are You Willing to Spend?
It's nice to dream of a top-notch senior living community that's outfitted with everything you could ever want. But realistically, not every older adult can afford that.
You should sit down and discuss finances openly, making sure that everyone understands the average cost of assisted living in Los Angeles. Ask your parents what kind of budget they're comfortable with and whether they've made any financial plans for this stage of life. Having a clear budget can narrow down your options significantly.
Would You Like to Tour Communities or Meet Care Providers Together?
Remember how we said that older adults can be apprehensive, embarrassed, or even resistant to the idea of needing care? You can make things easier by involving your parents in the decision-making process, as it reinforces their autonomy.
Ask if they want to do the following with you:
- Tour assisted living communities
- Interview in-home caregivers
- Review brochures
After all, they're the ones who are going to live in the retirement community, so their participation is crucial in making the final choice. By working together, you'll have the best intentions and ensure that the final choice reflects their wishes.
Use These Questions to Ask Your Parents for Choosing Senior Care
If you don't know where to start regarding senior care options, then these questions to ask your parents are an excellent way to get a conversation going.
While you're talking, it's essential to keep an open ear and offer empathy. Moving into a senior living community is a huge life change, and if you can show that you're there for your parents through it, they'll really appreciate it.
The Watermark at Westwood Village offers pet-friendly community spaces and other wonderful amenities. Contact us today if your parents are ready for senior living in Los Angeles.