Portage, Indiana, sits about an hour southeast of Chicago, offering small-town comfort within reach of a major city. In the US, there are around 818,000 residents in senior living communities, according to the American Health Care Association. Choosing the right location starts long before it’s time to move.
One of the most crucial steps is knowing the right questions to ask parents. These conversations bring clarity, reveal hidden concerns, and guide your family toward a confident decision rooted in understanding. In this guide, we’ll take a closer look at what to keep in mind when making your decision.
What Matters Most to You in Daily Life?
Some older adults care about having quiet mornings. Others want busy afternoons filled with activity. Before making any decisions, ask your parents what they enjoy most and what routines they want to keep.
These personal details help guide senior care planning. A clear sense of priorities makes the next steps feel more natural.
How Much Help Do You Feel You Need Right Now?
Support can mean different things to different people. For some, it means help with cooking or bathing.
For others, it might mean reminders to take medication. It’s essential to understand how much help your parents feel they need each day.
Having insight shapes whether the community can offer the right level of care. To help them think through their needs, ask about tasks like:
- Dressing and grooming
- Bathing or using the restroom
- Cooking or eating
- Taking medication
- Moving safely around the home
These answers give a fuller picture of daily life and where support is most needed.
Would You Prefer to Stay Close to Family or Friends?
Location plays a major role in emotional well-being. Staying near familiar people can ease the transition. Ask your parents if being near loved ones would bring them comfort.
Some seniors enjoy having family drop by often. Others prefer the freedom of starting fresh in a new area.
Are There Routines You Don’t Want to Give Up?
Many older adults have daily habits that bring them peace. These patterns may include morning walks or weekend phone calls.
To help ease the assisted living transition, it’s good to know what routines matter most. The right community should make room for the things they care about.
Balance can make the move feel less like a loss and more like a new chapter. Encourage your parents to share routines that bring them joy or comfort:
- Morning tea or coffee on the porch
- Watching a favorite show at a set time
- Weekly chats with friends or neighbors
- Attending a local church or club
- Afternoon crossword puzzles or card games
Bringing these habits into the new space can help maintain a sense of identity.
How Do You Feel About Living Around Other Seniors?
Social life changes when you join a senior living community. Some people enjoy the idea of group activities and shared meals. Others might need more quiet time.
To guide the search, ask how your parents feel about social settings. Their comfort level shapes what kind of community will work best.
What Kind of Meals and Activities Would You Enjoy Most?
Daily life in a senior living community should feel enjoyable. Ask what your parents like to eat and how they want to spend their time.
Their answers help match them with the right programs and dining options. Most communities offer a variety of choices, and preferences make a difference.
The more personalized the experience, the easier it becomes to settle in. To match them with the right offerings, ask about preferences like:
- Favorite meals or special diets
- Games and social events that they enjoy
- Exercise routines or group classes
- Creative hobbies such as painting or music
- Indoor or outdoor relaxation spots
The right match makes the day feel more fulfilling and less structured.
Are There Health Concerns We Should Plan Around?
Some aging adults live with chronic conditions or memory challenges. While communities can’t provide medical care, many offer medication reminders and help with daily tasks.
Talk openly with your parents about any current diagnoses or changes in behavior. Memory care readiness is part of that discussion. The more you understand their needs, the better the community can support them.
How Involved Would You Like Us to Be Day-to-Day?
Not every parent wants the same level of involvement from family. Ask your parents how much contact they hope to have and how they picture your role. Some may want frequent calls and visits.
Others might ask for more space. Keeping that balance can prevent misunderstandings later. Offer simple ideas for staying connected while respecting boundaries:
- Schedule weekly calls or visits
- Join community events open to families
- Help with finances or paperwork remotely
- Check in with the staff, if needed
- Send cards, photos, or updates
These gestures build trust and maintain strong relationships over time.
Do You Feel Safe and Comfortable Where You Are Now?
Comfort often signals when it’s time to consider new living options. If your parents mention feeling unsure or isolated, that may be a turning point.
These feelings can lead to more substantial concerns around health or daily stability. Talking to aging parents about their current home helps you understand their mindset. It also opens the door to practical solutions without pressure.
What Worries You Most About Making a Move?
Moving can feel uncertain, especially after years in one home. Your parents may worry about losing their independence or adjusting to unfamiliar routines.
Family caregiving tips often suggest starting with honest, supportive conversations. Reassure them that their voice matters.
When they feel heard, they’re more likely to take part in the decision. Understanding these concerns helps you respond with care and clarity.
Keep These Questions to Ask Parents in Mind
These questions to ask parents show respect for their needs and help you focus on what truly matters. Once you understand their wishes, every choice becomes clearer. Let the answers shape your next step with care and intention.
Rittenhouse Village at Portage offers resident-focused senior living with personalized programs like Sensations Dining and Dimensions Wellness. Our communities combine engaging activities, fitness, and spotless homes in a warm, respectful environment. You can get in touch with us today to learn more about how we can help.
