Where to Begin

Next Steps After the Conversation

After the conversation is over, you might feel relieved. Now that you've made some goals for your senior living journey, you can start making practical steps towards those goals. From touring to packing your belongings, these tasks help you build the life that is right for you.

What Happens Next?

You did your homework, had the conversation and things seemed to go well—what now? Everyone’s situation is unique, but the following list is helpful no matter where you are in the process.

Don't stop talking.

Big decisions require constant communication and senior living is no different. Once you’ve broached the topic, it’s important to keep the dialogue going.

Often it takes multiple conversations—with friends, family and trusted advisors—for everyone to arrive on the same page. The key is to keep talking about it. That way your loved one can feel like their thoughts and feelings are heard and valued.

Don't stop talking.

Big decisions require constant communication and senior living is no different. Once you’ve broached the topic, it’s important to keep the dialogue going.

Woman finding a Brookdale community for her mom

Choose a key decision maker.

If you are one of many siblings, you need to determine who is going to be the key decision maker when it comes to matters related to your parent. This is especially important if your family is spread out in different towns, cities or states. This not only streamlines the moving process, but helps everyone avoid unnecessary stress, confusion or complications.

Choose a key decision maker.

Focus on the benefits of moving.

There’s something to be said about the power of positivity. If you’re talking to your parents about transitioning to a community or to your children about making the move yourself, be mindful of the language you use.

Try to highlight all the benefits that come with being part of a senior living community: no more household chores or cooking meals, tons of new social connections and a wide variety of fun-filled activities, events and excursions.

Focus on the benefits of moving.

Brookdale residents talking with a visitor

Visit a few communities.

No matter who starts the conversation about senior living, one of the most important steps in the process is visiting different communities in the area. The best way to learn about a community is to meet the people who make it special. Make sure to schedule tours of multiple communities so you can get a good idea of which one is the best fit.

Visit a few communities.

Put a plan in place.

Break your long to-do list into several bite-sized actionable steps. Once you know that senior living is right for you and your family, you'll need to make sure you keep the momentum going. That means making decisions about when to move, what to pack and which community is right for you.

Be open and flexible as you plan and don't put too much pressure on yourself. Things tend to go more smoothly if everyone involved is informed and included: try sharing your list and timeline with your family to help keep things on track.

Put a plan in place.

Caregiver And Resident Hanging Bird Feeder

What If I Still Feel Guilty?

Comfort for you

Friends, family and caregiver networks can offer you encouragement and support during this new chapter of life. Brookdale communities also provide opportunities for families to connect so you can talk with others who understand what you’re experiencing.

When you choose a Brookdale community you’re choosing more than a place to live—you’re choosing a partnership in caring for someone you love.

What If I Still Feel Guilty?

Comfort for you

When you choose a Brookdale community you’re choosing more than a place to live—you’re choosing a partnership in caring for someone you love.

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.

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