Questions to Ask Parents When Planning Senior Care Together
Kansas City recently won the accolade of being in the top 10 best cities to retire in the Midwest, thanks to its affordability, high wellness score, and wealth of attractions. If you are considering a senior living community in Prairie Village, Kansas City, for your loved one, sharing some of these facts is a great way to begin a conversation. But that's just the starting point.
To plan senior care, you'll need to ask a set of questions to help find the best community. Here are the crucial questions to ask parents about retiring and senior care.
What Are Your Priorities in Retirement?
It's crucial you don't make too many assumptions about how parents want to spend their days in retirement, even if you have a close relationship. It's always best to ask the question because the answer might surprise you.
They may be worried about health matters and want to be near a trusted doctor. They may also have fitness goals and plan to spend their senior years exercising and living a healthy life. This question will help you focus on communities that will be a good match for their high-priority needs.
How Are You Managing With Daily Tasks?
You may already have a keen sense of how parents manage their day-to-day routine, and you might even offer help with tasks such as reminding them to take medication. Still, it's always a worthwhile question to ask because sometimes parents aren't always open about their struggles.
Eldercare support works best when it is tailored to the needs of seniors, so the more you understand, the better you'll be able to find support that fits what they require.
Have You Considered a Senior Living Community?
Seniors who value their independence may want to stay at home and might not have given much thought to the idea of moving to a community. It's a good question during assisted living discussions because broaching the topic will help your parents learn more about some of the advantages of community living.
It can be a low-maintenance lifestyle that suits seniors because it allows them more time and energy to focus on fun aspects of the day, leaving someone else with chores like housekeeping. Plus, it provides peace of mind to families that someone is available 24/7 should their parents need it.
Have You Had a Health Review Recently?
Perhaps you know a lot about your parents' health and often attend medical appointments with them. But if not, make sure you ask this question. A health review is often a useful way to check whether your parents need more assistance and care in their daily lives.
It's also a chance to talk through any concerns or worries, like recent episodes of memory loss or difficulties with balance. Checking health conditions means you can find more appropriate care options.
What Are Your Thoughts on Joining Senior Social Events?
A unique aspect of senior living communities is the social side of living with other retirees. Communities like Addington Place of Prairie Village host many activities and events for seniors, which is a chance for people to enjoy a lively social occasion and make friends.
We also have communal areas like lounges, gardens, and our restaurant, which help people connect with one another.
Nevertheless, some residents prefer a quieter routine with smaller and more low-key social gatherings. Asking this question will help you shape the community living experience for your parents in a way that best suits their personality.
How Do You Feel About Living In Kansas City?
When parents move into senior living communities, what exists beyond the communities is as important as what is inside. Kansas City has a lot to offer, so speak to your parents and find out whether this is their preferred location. You could talk about some of the nearby attractions, such as:
- Kansas City Zoo and Aquarium
- The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art
- The Regnier Family Wonderscope Children's Museum of Kansas City, which is perfect for young grandchildren
- South Lake Park
Remind loved ones that having fantastic amenities and attractions nearby also gives you lots of opportunities for memorable family get-togethers. That might mean a catch-up at a favorite restaurant or a relaxing picnic in the park.
What Amenities or Services Are Your Dealbreakers?
There may be some aspects of a senior living community that are dealbreakers for your parents. Common ones include fitness facilities, community gardens, and private apartments.
Ask this question early in the process so you can rule out communities that don't fit the criteria, which will save you a lot of time visiting providers that don't meet your parents' requirements. It will also help you look for the communities that offer a large variety of amenities your loved ones might not have considered.
What Fears and Concerns Do You Have About Senior Care?
Parents often have worries about senior care or moving to a community. Understanding what these are and showing empathy will help ease some of these concerns.
Some parents dislike the thought of moving, either because of the hassle of a move or because the transition to a new environment will be a lot to handle. If that's the case, there are lots of practical ways you can alleviate some of those fears, such as taking charge of moving day.
How Involved Do You Want Family to Be In Decision Making?
Parents can sometimes worry about handing over decision-making to care teams and prefer to remain with a trusted relative.
If that's the case for your parent, you can ensure any future senior care planning includes your involvement. That helps seniors feel more in control of their care and well-being and find the perfect balance between support and an independent lifestyle.
Questions to Ask Parents About Senior Care
Bookmark these family caregiving tips and questions to ask parents. Ensure you begin the conversation soon, as talking to aging parents early gives you more time to plan the right option.
Take this opportunity to book a tour of Addington Place of Prairie Village, too. With different levels of care, tasteful and comfortable apartments, and a low-maintenance lifestyle, our community has everything your loved one needs for a relaxing retirement.