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Real Talk on Senior Living
A Guide for Families

Think of this guide as a straightforward resource for learning about what’s out there. Our goal is to give you the information you need, so that you can help to make sound decisions, and never feel rushed. Each of these chapters tackles various topics and provides guidance on understanding care options for your loved one, having the talk with your parents, the cost of retirement living and long term care as well as tips on how to help your parent downsize and make the move.
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Polaroid photo of senior couple
Chapter 1 - Introduction: Real Talk on Senior Living
Guide for Families
Think of this guide as a straightforward resource for learning about what’s out there and how you as a son or daughter can help your parent understand the differences between the three main senior living options – home care, a retirement residence and a long term care home.
Holding hands
Chapter 2 - Recognizing that your parents are ready for senior living
Guide for Families
Moving is a major decision, and your mom or day may need to take some time to work through the idea before they make up their mind. The thing to remember as a family caregiver is that a lifestyle change, whether it’s a move into a retirement community or any other form of care, is often the spark needed to rekindle your parent’s independence.
Senior holding stairway handrail
Chapter 3 - Understanding your parents’ care options
Guide for Families

Options for retirement living.

Today, it’s all about independence and choice. Between home care, retirement communities and long term care, the options for senior living have never been bigger and brighter
Senior and family member talking
Chapter 4 - How to talk with your parent about making a change
Guide for Families
This is an important time: when your loved one has started their research is asking some questions. Let’s dive into having “the talk”. You’ve got lots of questions and feelings about this next stage, and your parent will too. Feeling like you are part of the process will make sure everyone is on the same page. Because you want the best for your loved one.

 
Senior couple having a conversation
Chapter 5 - How much is this going to cost my parents?
Guide for Families
What do you value? Cost is a factor in senior living. Your mom or dad’s situation, their needs, their choices, are unique to them. How much it all costs is unique too. Where the costs and the value that their choice brings to their life meet – that is the sweet spot.
Senior couple on porch
Chapter 6 - Options for senior living
Guide for Families
With all the options for senior living, it can seem overwhelming. Home care, retirement residences, long term care — how do you pick? It’s important to go through a checklist and take the tour to see what fits best for mum or dad. The key is not to rush them.
Open drawers showing clothing inside
Chapter 7 - Helping your parent make the move to a retirement home
Guide for Families

There’s more to moving than cardboard boxes. Moving is a tough decision. Your role is to help mom or dad work through the process and to help coordinate the sorting and packing, listening to their stories and being the shoulder to cry on. You’ll likely be doing everything except making decisions.
Senior couple moving boxes
Chapter 8 - Helping Your Parent Downsize Their Home for Retirement
Guide for Families

You have to plan what to take with you… And the best way to start that process is to understand the space you’re moving into - Vicky Riley Keyes.
Holding hands
Chapter 9 - Conclusion: The way home
Guide for Families

We hope this guide gave you a clearer sense of the vast options available for senior living. We’re here to help, to answer questions and offer impartial advice as best we can — whatever it is you need. Call us, come in for a visit, let us know how we can help.