When it comes to the future, it’s natural to want the best for the people we love. For families navigating senior care options, having open conversations about future needs is key for continued joyful living and peace of mind.
These talks don’t have to be overwhelming. Instead, they can be viewed as an opportunity to reinforce support and promote an independent lifestyle. Here are five gentle questions to start these conversations with a loved one.
1. What does your ideal day look like right now, and what’s getting in the way?
This question allows a loved one to talk about the joys and simple comforts of their life like gardening, reading, or connecting with friends.
- The Goal: Discover the elements of their current lifestyle that should be prioritized, protected, and maintained.
- The Insight: The discussion may also naturally reveal tasks that have become obstacles like managing the home, driving, or preparing meals. Understanding the obstacles is the first step in finding the right solution, whether with home health support or in a community setting.
2. When you think about the future, what gives you the most peace of mind?
This question taps into a loved one’s definition of comfort and safety, which can change as needs evolve.
- The Goal: Understand their concerns about safety, access to medical care, and general preparedness.
- The Insight: Understanding what gives them confidence and peace of mind, provides valuable insight into how to ensure they continue to feel prepared and supported. A loved one’s answer might also reveal insecurities, such as a fear of falling or the desire for nearby medical support. Knowing these fears helps a family move toward a solution that offers security and support.
3. What are the must-haves for your physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being?
A full life is about more than just physical care; it’s about nurturing the whole person. This question brings their holistic needs to the forefront, affirming that their purpose and personal priorities matter most.
- The Goal: Discuss what opportunities could add to their wellbeing and encourage excitement around the possibility. This question shifts the conversation from a mindset of sacrifice and letting go into a mindset focused on what can be gained and added.
- The Insight: Understanding preferences like the availability of a chapel, a wellness gym, or frequent social events helps align a loved one’s aspirations with the ideal community amenities and programs.
4. If you could wave a magic wand and instantly change one thing about your day-to-day life to make it more enjoyable, what would it be?
This no-pressure question provides an easy way to understand a loved one’s daily experience. It shifts the focus from their personal limitations to the opportunities available. It also communicates a shared goal of making everyday life better, affirming their personal interests and independence.
- The Goal: Understand their interests and recognize challenges they may be facing, whether big or small. Additionally, communicate interest and willingness to support their priorities.
- The Insight: This question provides direction regarding next steps to support your loved one, whether quick, easy fixes or bigger-picture solutions.
5. Can we explore some living options together, so we have a plan in place?
Planning ahead allows for an informed choice to be made together, rather than a rushed decision if needed. Pursuing options should be exactly that, exploring a variety of options with their benefits and limitations.
- The Goal: Initiate the next step of the planning process with a spirit of collaboration and ease.
- The Insight: Moving forward together shows a loved one that they are a partner in the process. It allows the family to consider options, to find a setting where their loved one can thrive even if their needs change over time.
At Friendship Village, we provide a full continuum of retirement options all on one campus, so members can stay in the same familiar community as their needs change over time. With amenities and services like a chapel, bocce courts, and restaurant-style dining, we fully support residents’ holistic wellness.
If you have any more questions about navigating family discussions, our expert team would be happy to help! Schedule a tour to learn more about the full continuum of care at Friendship Village.