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Retirement Connection Guide • 1-800-462-1316
When to Have "The Conversation"
At Home Care & Health with your adult children about moving to apartment? Are there specific dining room
a microwave and refrigerator in your
As a senior, initiating the conversation
hours or can you get something to eat
a senior living or retirement community
anytime between 7:00 am to 6:00 pm?
is often hard to approach. It’s a turn of
life event, and can feel like you are asking
What about the lifestyle? Are there

for permission to live your life. Although
enough options of things to do? What kind
many seniors typically want their families
of activities and communal events occur?
included in these living decisions, it
ultimately may not be a family consensus.
independent and eventually find yourself
Leaving the family home is a jarring  What about the care? If you are
needing care, do you have to move? If you
experience for seniors and their children; go on care, can you ever get off care? Ask
it’s an action that signals a certain chapter for copies of their last state survey.
of life is over. This can leave adult children
feeling hesitant and uncertain. Facing the Take your families to see those
fact that your parents are aging requires communities on your short list. If you are
the acknowledgment that family may not prepared, your family will find it easier to
always be there. These instances can be respect your wishes. Be ready to answer
uncomfortable to confront, such as in financial questions up front. Your children
situations of family members counting on may want to know if you can afford this
the “Mom and Dad Hotel” as a place to lifestyle or if you are expecting assistance
land while managing their own ups and from them now or down the road.
downs of life. Other adult children may Although it’s hard to leave your home, you
fear that their parents will spend all their can take and cherish the memories forever.
assets and potential inheritance. Although What awaits is a lifestyle that supports your
it’s human nature to have a full range of needs and well-being. With new friends,
fears, most adult children just want their stimulation, and attention to basic needs,
parents to be safe and happy. you just may end up with more stress-free
The Steps to having “The Conversation” time to hang out with your family.
with your family:
Article provided by:
 Do Your Research. Tour communities Garden Court Retirement
and learn what costs & amenities are 425-438-9098
available. Are the leases month to month www.GardenCourtRetirement.com
or do they require a long lease or buy-in?
These can be heavier and riskier financial
decisions.

 What about food? Are there decent
food choices? Are there menu items
that correspond with your special
dietary needs? Is there a kitchen or just
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