Where to Begin

How to Prepare for the Conversation

Talking about senior living is a meaningful step toward planning for the future.

Before connecting with your family, take a moment to think through how you'd like the conversation to go—and how to prepare in a way that feels thoughtful and supportive.

Grandfather having a conversation with granddaughter

The Importance of Regular Conversations

Life decisions can take time—and thoughtful conversations help imagine the next chapter. You might talk about senior living more than once, and that’s okay. Each discussion can bring new clarity and build shared understanding.

Starting the conversation early gives everyone space to consider options and feel more prepared for what comes next. With open communication, you can move forward together—feeling confident and supported.

The Importance of Regular Conversations

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

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 help 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?

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

Prepare for the conversation with these tips

Here’s how to start strong and help 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 typically make decisions on your own, 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 still 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 typically make decisions on your own, 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 still 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

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

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