Where to Begin

How to Prepare for the Conversation

You know the conversation about senior living needs to happen, but you aren’t sure where to begin. Sound familiar?

Before you give your family a call and announce the news, it’s important to take a step back and think through what the discussion is going to look like and how you can best prepare.

Grandfather having a conversation with granddaughter

The Importance of Regular Conversations

No matter what situation you're in, it can take a while for someone you love to get on board with a such an important change.

Don’t be discouraged if you find that you need to discuss the possibility of moving more than once. Giving each other time to think through what this upcoming season of life is going to look like is normal—it is an important part of any big life descision.

With that in mind, it’s a good idea to have a conversation about the future early and often. You don’t want to wait until the situation is dire before bringing up the subject. The more time each person has to consider the idea of senior living, the more prepared you can all be when the time comes to make the move.

The Importance of Regular Conversations

No matter what situation you're in, it can take a while for someone you love to get on board with a such an important change.

How Can I Prepare for the Conversation About Senior Living With My Parents?

Talking about senior living might feel like a big step. You care about your parents and want them to keep living life on their terms. With a little planning and the right approach, this conversation can be full of care, respect and encouragement.

Why this conversation matters

Waiting until something urgent happens can add stress. Bringing it up early gives everyone time to think, plan and make choices together. This can also help your parents feel more in control of what comes next.

Prepare for the conversation with these tips

Here’s how to start strong and make the conversation a positive experience for everyone:

Talk about what’s gained: Senior living brings helpful support—like delicious meals, housekeeping, transportation, wellness activities and new friends. It’s about enjoying more and finding peace of mind
Pick a calm moment: Choose a quiet, relaxed time like a coffee catch-up or a peaceful setting to help the conversation feel more natural
Start softly: Here are a few ways to ease into the topic: “I’d love to talk about ways to support you in this chapter of life.” “Have you thought about what kind of help might be nice to have at home?” “There are some nearby communities with fun
Speak with care: Use kind, honest words. You might say, “I’ve noticed it’s been getting harder to keep up with the house.” Focus on what you see and how you feel
Give them room to share: Ask questions and then listen. Let them talk about what matters most to them. This opens the door to future steps—without rushing into decisions
Coordinate with other loved ones: 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
Lean on experts: Doctors, clergy, social workers or care advisors can help guide the conversation. If your parent connects well with one of them, invite that person to be part of the process

Keep supporting after the talk

This first chat is about planting a seed. Give it time. When the moment feels right, you can feel more ready—together.

How Can I Prepare for the Conversation About Senior Living With My Parents?

Why this conversation matters

Prepare for the conversation with these tips

Here’s how to start strong and make the conversation a positive experience for everyone:

Talk about what’s gained: Senior living brings helpful support—like delicious meals, housekeeping, transportation, wellness activities and new friends. It’s about enjoying more and finding peace of mind
Pick a calm moment: Choose a quiet, relaxed time like a coffee catch-up or a peaceful setting to help the conversation feel more natural
Start softly: Here are a few ways to ease into the topic: “I’d love to talk about ways to support you in this chapter of life.” “Have you thought about what kind of help might be nice to have at home?” “There are some nearby communities with fun
Speak with care: Use kind, honest words. You might say, “I’ve noticed it’s been getting harder to keep up with the house.” Focus on what you see and how you feel
Give them room to share: Ask questions and then listen. Let them talk about what matters most to them. This opens the door to future steps—without rushing into decisions
Coordinate with other loved ones: 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
Lean on experts: Doctors, clergy, social workers or care advisors can help guide the conversation. If your parent connects well with one of them, invite that person to be part of the process

Keep supporting after the talk

This first chat is about planting a seed. Give it time. When the moment feels right, you can feel more ready—together.

Making the Decision to Move to Brookdale

Thanks for Giving Back Mom

Making the Decision to Move to Brookdale

Thanks for Giving Back Mom

^{Family Testimonial}

How Can I Bring My Kids Into the Conversation About Senior Living?

If you’re thinking about moving to a senior living community, your child might be the first person you want—or need—to talk to. The question is: how do you begin?

This can feel like a big moment. Whether you’re exploring independent living or assisted living, it helps to bring your family into the conversation early. A thoughtful talk can ease emotions, strengthen your plan and build support along the way.

Your children care about you. Including them in your plans gives everyone time to adjust, ask questions and stay connected.

Even if you’ve always made your own decisions, sharing this one can create trust and bring you closer. It also shows them how much thought you’ve put into making this choice.

How to start the conversation

Here are a few simple ways to guide the discussion:

1. Reassure them it’s about care and support

This choice is about creating the lifestyle, support and future you want. Share with your children that it comes from a place of strength, independence and care.

2. Come prepared with information

They might ask:

Why now?
What kind of care might you need?
How much does it cost?
Where is the community located?

Have a few materials ready to help make the idea feel real—like a brochure, a bookmarked website or a tour date on the calendar.

3. Emphasize your independence

Some may worry this means giving something up. You can share that this decision is about holding onto your independence and making a move while the choice is fully yours.

Tips to help the conversation go smoothly:

Pick the right time: choose a quiet moment when everyone can focus
Listen: your kids may have feelings of their own
Use “I” statements: try: “I want to spend more time enjoying life”
Invite their input: ask them to help with research or visit a community

How Can I Bring My Kids Into the Conversation About Senior Living?

If you’re thinking about moving to a senior living community, your child might be the first person you want—or need—to talk to. The question is: how do you begin?

Your children care about you. Including them in your plans gives everyone time to adjust, ask questions and stay connected.

Even if you’ve always made your own decisions, sharing this one can create trust and bring you closer. It also shows them how much thought you’ve put into making this choice.

How to start the conversation

Here are a few simple ways to guide the discussion:

1. Reassure them it’s about care and support

This choice is about creating the lifestyle, support and future you want. Share with your children that it comes from a place of strength, independence and care.

2. Come prepared with information

They might ask:

Why now?
What kind of care might you need?
How much does it cost?
Where is the community located?

Have a few materials ready to help make the idea feel real—like a brochure, a bookmarked website or a tour date on the calendar.

3. Emphasize your independence

Some may worry this means giving something up. You can share that this decision is about holding onto your independence and making a move while the choice is fully yours.

Tips to help the conversation go smoothly:

Pick the right time: choose a quiet moment when everyone can focus
Listen: your kids may have feelings of their own
Use “I” statements: try: “I want to spend more time enjoying life”
Invite their input: ask them to help with research or visit a community

See our communities and get pricing

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

First Name*

Last Name*

Email Address*

Phone*

Please enter a city or zip code.

I would like to receive text messages (such as visit reminders) from Brookdale

* Required Fields

By opting in, you agree to receive recurring automated marketing text messages (such as visit reminders & promotions) from Brookdale at the number you've provided. Terms and Privacy: brookdale.com/texting. We value your privacy. By clicking, you agree to the terms and conditions of our privacy policy and agree to be called, in response to your inquiry, by a Senior Living Advisior using our automated telephone dialing system.

Chat Now