With the cost of senior housing climbing to all-time highs, rushing into a decision can lock your family into higher rates or terms that don’t fully suit your long-term needs. And in Reading, PA, where demand for quality senior care is growing quickly, it’s especially important to make an informed decision.
Asking the right questions early protects your budget and the level of care your loved one requires. This guide covers the main questions to ask parents so that your family’s first choice is the best choice.
The Important Questions to Ask Parents
Before diving in, you’ll want to approach this conversation with care and understanding. Talking about senior living can be a tough subject for you and your parents.
Choose a calm moment and gently express your concern for their well-being. Be patient and open to hearing out their concerns or preferences. Remember, this conversation is the first step to them feeling respected and involved in the process.
What Care Plan Do You Have in Place With Your Doctor?
When senior living planning, it’s important to make sure you have a full understanding your parents’ health and medical needs from day one. Start by asking about any existing health conditions or medications they take daily.
Knowing this helps ensure the community can provide the right care and support. For example, if they need specialized treatment or assistance with medications, you’ll want to choose a community that can meet those needs.
It’s also a good idea to ask if they have any upcoming medical appointments or treatments that will require ongoing care. Some communities offer services like physical therapy or medical supervision, so being clear on these details helps you pick the right fit.
Pay attention to whether their answer reflects the level of care they need now and in the future. Understanding these aspects will make sure your parents’ health remains in good hands even if their needs should change in the future.
What Are You Comfortable Spending on Living Costs?
Knowing how much your parent can afford to spend helps avoid everyone getting their hopes up on options that turn out to be out of reach. With a clear budget in place, you can focus on communities that match your budget with the appropriate level of care.
When discussing finances, review any insurance plans they have to see if they offer help with cost coverage. Depending on the policy, there may be benefits in place you can use to expand your housing options.
It’s also helpful to get a clear picture of what their currently monthly bills are and how much they cost, so you can compare that to the costs of senior living. Thinking through the basics early on makes it easier to plan for the future without financial surprises.
How Do You Feel About Moving to a Senior Living Community For More Support?
Money and care needs matter, but emotions play just as big a role in this decision. So it’s important to check in with how your parent feels about the idea of moving. Don’t assume what they’re going through internally. Instead, give them space to reveal:
- Which parts they may be excited about
- What fears are coming up
- What they may grieve in the process
If they seem unsure or nervous, don’t be afraid to gently dig a little deeper by ensuring you’re there to genuinely hear them out. When you understand what’s holding them back, you’ll be better equipped to seek out what eases their concerns.
You can also ask what would help them feel more comfortable with the process. For instance, it may help to take things slow or have them speak with other residents who’ve made the move.
Assure them that they’ll still have a say in their day-to-day life. Rittenhouse Village at Muhlenberg encourages this kind of independence and offers families resources to help parents stay connected with loved ones for strengthened eldercare support.
How Are You Feeling About Your Safety and Comfort at Home These Days?
Check in to see how often they’re doublechecking door locks or struggling with tasks they used to manage easily. It’s important to get a good feel for any feelings of fear or overwhelm they may have been holding back on sharing.
Many older adults avoid bringing this topic up on their own due to shame and not wanting to feel like a burden. Asking this question creates space for them to speak honestly without judgement.
Follow up by asking if there are daily tasks they’d like help with, such as:
- Cooking nutritious and satisfying meals
- Cleaning up around the house
- Getting to appointments on time
Keep in mind that if they’ve stopped doing certain things, it may not be by choice. It might be because it’s become too hard or even unsafe. Their response will give you a clearer picture of where they need support.
Would You Be Open to Touring a Few Communities Together?
Once you’ve talked through care needs and lifestyle budget, the next step is to explore your options together. Ask your parent if they would be open to visiting a few senior living communities to get a feel for what’s available to them.
A tour gives them a chance to see the environment and picture themselves in a new space. It also helps take the mystery out of what receiving personal care in Reading PA actually looks like.
You can also ask if they have questions about what daily life looks like in community settings. Be sure to discuss what activities are offered and how much independence they’ll still have. Asking and answering questions together keeps them involved in the process.
Plan Senior Living With Support
At Rittenhouse Village at Muhlenberg, we’re here to support families each step of the way. Located in Reading, PA, our chef-prepared meals and on-site personal care makes it so your parent gets everything they need in the comfort of home.
If you need a little backup with the discussing, our team is experienced with guiding families through all the questions to ask parents when planning the transition. Schedule a tour today to discuss how we can help your family move forward with clarity and confidence.
