Questions to Ask Your Parents About Their Senior Living Plans
Did you know that a third of all older adults nationwide feel like they lack companionship? Many of them feel lonely or isolated from others, which is a big problem for seniors. It's especially problematic in the family-friendly city of Keller, TX.
Not all seniors have the ability to travel where they want to. Nor do they always live in close proximity to family members who can help. It's important for them to make senior living plans that can adapt to their needs and desires.
Here are some questions to ask your parents to get the conversation started.
What Are Your Current and Future Housing Preferences?
Senior living plans should begin with retirement discussions. Where and how do your parents want to live as they age?
If they choose to stay in their current home, they may need to rely on family caregiving in the future. It's more likely for older adults with ongoing health issues or if they foresee future health problems.
A senior could move into an independent living community for the amenities, socialization, and upscale apartments. This is the best option for a senior who doesn't need much, if any, help around the house.
Have You Considered Your Future Support Needs?
Aging naturally brings changes in physical and cognitive abilities. Illnesses like osteoporosis could cause limited mobility in older adults who have suffered multiple injuries. Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia can make it dangerous for seniors to live alone.
Senior living conversations should cover how your parents would like to receive support if they need help later on. Would they prefer in-home care, moving in with a family members, or a more hands-on senior living community?
Family caregiving is often the more affordable option, but it requires living close to a loved one. In-home care allows seniors to stay in their own homes.
Have You Created or Updated Important Legal Documents?
Understanding your parents' legal and financial preparedness is a crucial part of aging parent planning. Ask if they have:
- A will or trust
- A durable power of attorney
- An advance healthcare directive
- A HIPAA release form
The will or trust determines what happens to your parents' assets when they pass. A durable power of attorney document designates one person to take care of your parents' healthcare and finances when they are unable to.
An advance healthcare directive is an alternative to a power of attorney document that allows a senior to set up their care plan. The HIPAA form lets their healthcare provider share protected health information with specific individuals or organizations.
What Are Your Healthcare Wishes?
Medical preferences are a sensitive subject for some. However, it's important to discuss them before an emergency arises.
Ask your parents about the type of care they desire, such as life support or resuscitation. Do they have a preferred hospital or healthcare provider?
This is where an advance healthcare directive comes into play. It sets up healthcare preferences in advance, just in case a patient becomes unconscious or otherwise unable to respond to their doctor.
How Are Your Finances Set Up?
Finances play a major role in determining a senior's living options. Ask your parents about their retirement income sources. These may include Social Security, pensions, and investments.
Make sure they've considered the costs of moving into an independent living community. Do they have long-term care insurance? You may need to consult a financial advisor for retirement discussions.
Are There Specific Senior Communities You're Interested In?
It may be that your parents have already looked into specific retirement communities. Research some options together and schedule tours for a first-hand appraisal.
Many communities offering independent living in Keller, TX, provide services such as dining and social activities. They may also coordinate with your healthcare providers.
Visiting these communities in person can help your parents envision the lifestyle and reduce any fears or hesitation. You can also talk to current residents to better understand what to expect.
What Role Do You Expect Us to Play?
This question helps define boundaries and expectations around family caregiving. Some parents assume their adult children will provide full-time care. Others don't want to "burden" their kids or want to retain their independence for as long as possible.
Clear communication helps strike a balance that works for everyone. Include any siblings in the conversation, as well as aunts and uncles. You may be able to share the caregiving load with them.
What Brings Your Joy and Purpose Now?
Aging isn't only about healthcare and finances. It's also about maintaining quality of life.
Depression in seniors can be crippling, especially since so many of them tend to hide their feelings or concerns.
Ask your parents what currently brings them joy. They may like gardening, volunteering, or attending religious services. Talk about how they can continue these activities even as their circumstances change.
Many senior living communities allow seniors the freedom to do what they enjoy on their own schedules.
Have You Talked to Your Doctor About Long-Term Health Outlook?
The most important thing for seniors to do is to stay in touch with their doctors about their health. Encourage your parents to speak openly with healthcare providers about what to expect as they age.
They should understand potential health trajectories to better inform their housing and caregiving decisions.
Known diagnoses like early-stage dementia or mobility issues can help you prepare for living space modifications. Your parents will also need to plan for eventual transitions to higher levels of care. This is especially true if they live further away from family members.
Prioritize These Questions to Ask Your Parents
All of these questions to ask your parents may take different forms depending on your family's situation. What matters is that you try to cover any possible situation your parents may run into. Not every senior has a plan, and it's important that you help them make one.
Conservatory At Keller Town Center provides independent senior living for the Keller, TX area. Our residents have access to premium amenities such as a salon, a library, and themed parties and special events. Contact us to learn more about our community and schedule a tour.