Bringing up the subject of an assisted living community with your aging parent isn’t easy. They may overreact and say “Oh my gosh! How can you do this to me?” Change can be a scary thing. They may have a misconception of what an assisted living community looks like, associating it with a scary hospital setting.

That’s why it’s important to approach your aging parent from a place of love and concern. Involving other family members whom your parent trusts during the conversation can help ease the tension. So, how do you create a plan for having this difficult conversation? Here are a few ways to prepare for having the talk:

• Talk with their doctor. Contact your parent’s doctor and let them know about any concerns you have. Ask for their advice about what next steps you should take.
• Make mental note of incidents. Keep a mental list of any incidents your parent has had, such as “Misplaced keys three days in a row,” or “Forgot to pay the bills again this month.” This can help guide your conversation with their doctor.
• Research different communities. Search for different communities in your area that may be a good fit for your loved one.

Having the conversation early and approaching it from a place of love and concern will help your parent know you have their best interest in mind.