Where to Begin

Having the Conversation

Talking about senior living can be a sensitive subject whether you’re considering it for yourself or for your family member. It is okay—even sometimes healthy—to admit to ourselves that these kinds of life changes can be hard on everyone.

Here’s some good news: Many seniors find that a weight is lifted off their shoulders after they decide to embrace the next chapter of their lives. Deciding to have the conversation can be the most difficult part: you're already doing the work.

Where Can I Find Tools and Guidance as a Caregiver?

Small changes and steady support can make a real difference. Brookdale and other leading organizations offer a variety of helpful resources:

Respite care at Brookdale gives you the chance to rest, even for a short time
Community Resource Finder helps you locate local events and caregiver programs
National Alliance for Caregiving (NAC) offers practical guides and planning tools
Alzheimer’s Association connects you to virtual and in-person support groups
Brookdale associates can be available to listen, answer questions and help you prepare for long-term care decisions

Where Can I Find Tools and Guidance as a Caregiver?

Small changes and steady support can make a real difference. Brookdale and other leading organizations offer a variety of helpful resources:

Respite care at Brookdale gives you the chance to rest, even for a short time
Community Resource Finder helps you locate local events and caregiver programs
National Alliance for Caregiving (NAC) offers practical guides and planning tools
Alzheimer’s Association connects you to virtual and in-person support groups
Brookdale associates can be available to listen, answer questions and help you prepare for long-term care decisions

Having the Conversation

Talking About Senior Living with Your Loved One

Having the Conversation

Talking About Senior Living with Your Loved One

^{Family Testimonial}

Mom And Daughter Talking In Front Of Computer

How Can I Make the Idea of Senior Living Feel Exciting?

Focus on what brings joy

Paint a picture of what senior living could look like—more comfort, more connection and more time for hobbies and passions.

Instead of talking about downsizing or needs, try bringing up possibilities:

“You’d love the art studio in this community—it reminded me of your painting days”
“They had a book club that made me think of you”
“There was a garden path that looked like the one you love to walk”

Framing your conversations around what could be gained can spark excitement rather than resistance.

How Can I Make the Idea of Senior Living Feel Exciting?

Focus on what brings joy

Paint a picture of what senior living could look like—more comfort, more connection and more time for hobbies and passions.

Instead of talking about downsizing or needs, try bringing up possibilities:

“You’d love the art studio in this community—it reminded me of your painting days”
“They had a book club that made me think of you”
“There was a garden path that looked like the one you love to walk”

Framing your conversations around what could be gained can spark excitement rather than resistance.

“When grandpa moved in here, he had an adjustment period—like several residents do when they first move in. But he got back to being active in the community and met several friends. He gets along great with all the staff. Living here helped him perk back up in his later years.”

Family Member of a Brookdale Resident

How Do I Handle Feeling Guilty About Moving a Loved One Into Senior Living?

Making decisions about your family’s care is a personal and often emotional choice. You might feel torn between promises made to provide personal care and your own abilities to give that care.

Moving into a Brookdale community is honoring those promises in a new way. You’re helping them get personalized care in a community that lets them thrive.

Guilt tends to follow big decisions—so does support

If you’re feeling guilty, it’s because you care deeply about your family member’s well-being.

Many people experience the same emotions when exploring care options.

Exploring Brookdale means you’re looking for the specialized support that is needed. Once you have that support, your relationship with you loved one can become even stronger.

How Do I Handle Feeling Guilty About Moving a Loved One Into Senior Living?

Making decisions about your family’s care is a personal and often emotional choice. You might feel torn between promises made to provide personal care and your own abilities to give that care.

Moving into a Brookdale community is honoring those promises in a new way. You’re helping them get personalized care in a community that lets them thrive.

Guilt tends to follow big decisions—so does support

If you’re feeling guilty, it’s because you care deeply about your family member’s well-being.

Many people experience the same emotions when exploring care options.

Exploring Brookdale means you’re looking for the specialized support that is needed. Once you have that support, your relationship with you loved one can become even stronger.

Should I Include My Siblings or Other Family Members?

If others are involved—siblings, cousins or close family—check in ahead of time. Sharing the same message makes it easier for everyone to feel supported.

Should I Include My Siblings or Other Family Members?

If others are involved—siblings, cousins or close family—check in ahead of time. Sharing the same message makes it easier for everyone to feel supported.

Brookdale employee smiling with mom and daughter

Next Steps After the Conversation

If you’ve successfully prepared for and navigated the subject of senior living with someone you love, you may be wondering what happens next. Few people have the discussion with their family member just once. So how can you move the conversation along and make progress toward an actual decision? Read on to learn not only what you can expect to happen next, but what role you might play in the process.

Next Steps After the Conversation

Finished with this section and ready to move on?

The next thing to do is prepare for the big move to a senior living community! Keep reading to learn more.

Making the Move

Want info about pricing?

You got it. Fill out the form to unlock pricing information for our senior living communities. Then, you can head to a community page to learn more.

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