Questions to Ask Seniors to Support Planning and Connection

Though 14% of middle-aged Americans care for their aging parents, fostering positive and loving relationships with them as they get older is critical. This may require shrugging off the title of "caregiver" and instead connecting on a one-on-one, equal level.

For many families, this is harder than it sounds. However, since caregiving can strain relationships, it's important to know some questions to ask seniors that inspire both connection and future planning.

Read on to learn some ways to have productive aging parent discussions with your loved ones in Albuquerque, NM!

Questions to Ask Seniors for Connection

Family engagement is important at all stages of life. However, as your parents grow older, it's important to ask your parents all the things you haven't gotten to discuss so far. This helps you get to know them better and ensures that you don't have any regrets later in life.

To connect with your aging parents, ask them questions such as:

• What is your earliest life memory?
• What are your best memories?
• What are your most treasured experiences with your own parents?
• What have you learned over the years about family and friendship?
• What has been your proudest moment in life so far?
• What is/was your favorite family tradition?
• What was your first job, and what did you enjoy about it?

These personal questions to ask seniors give you more insight into who your parents are as people. You'll get to know them better and see them as well-rounded and complex later in life. This strengthens family connections and makes everyone feel happier.

When asking your parent(s) these questions, you also give them the chance to exercise their long-term and short-term memory. This decreases the likelihood of cognitive decline and slows the progression of issues like dementia.

Plus, they offer a jumping point for longer conversations! You can learn about new things that you have in common with your parents. This enables you to discuss shared interests and plan activities together that interest both of you.

You'll never know the unexpected ways that you can find a connection with your loved ones!

Eldercare Communication for Life Planning

Connecting with your parents as they get older is wonderful for several reasons. You can feel close to them and enjoy life to the fullest due to these great relationships.

However, close connections are also good because they make productive conversations about serious topics easier.

Senior living planning is challenging because it can feel impossible to converse with those whose minds are already made up. However, there are several reasons that you need to have these conversations anyway, including:

• Being proactive and decreasing emotional burdens when the time to transition arrives
• Decreasing long-term stress through communication
• Understanding your parents' specific needs and wishes when it comes to eldercare support
• Empowering them to make an informed decision
• Offering up an opportunity to address concerns and dispel myths about senior living communities
• Making legal estate planning and financial planning easier

Plus, many older adults are only afraid of senior living communities because they have misconceptions about them.

For example, most seniors think that a community will limit their independence and deny them autonomy, but this is not the case. In fact, it's the opposite: an assisted living community will help them meet their basic needs so they can focus on having a more fulfilling, independent lifestyle.

Do You Have Long-Term Care Plans?

Having long-term plans is an important part of healthy aging. When you ask this question, your parents will ideally tell you what they want to happen in the coming months and years.

If their plans sound realistic and involve a great senior living community, you're in luck. You can start planning for the future right away!

If your parents have an unrealistic plan or no plan whatsoever, you have a little bit more work to do. Start by:

• Pointing out what problems your parents are currently facing while living alone
• Discussing how big these problems are and how they impact your parents' lives
• Inquiring about how they plan to navigate these challenges independently
• Asking what happens when your parents' care needs change (due to an injury, cognitive decline, etc)

Then, it's time to start discussing how assisted living could help them manage these challenges.

When Would You Consider a Senior Living Community?

Since many seniors are reluctant to transition to an assisted living community, ask when they would be willing to do so.

Some older adults think about community life when they:

• Can't get around their neighborhoods because of a lack of accessible transportation
• Strain relationships with you and other family members due to caregiving challenges
• Get diagnosed with dementia
• Struggle with mobility
• Experience social isolation
• Are no longer financially stable

If your parents say that there are no circumstances where they would consider moving, ask what they would prefer to do in the above instances. Chances are, they will eventually understand the value of transitioning.

What Would You Value in a Community?

Showing your parents photos of Morada Quintessence is the next step toward getting them excited about the future. Together, you can research and learn more about our:

• Apartment features
• Community amenities
• Exclusive programs
• Activities and events
• Health and wellness workshops
• Supportive social climate
• Personalized, compassionate care

This will nip trepidations in the bud and may even help your parent look forward to an assisted living community!

Learn More About Quality Albuquerque Caregiving

Now that you know some questions to ask seniors before transitioning into assisted living, it's time to work with your parents to find a beautiful, vibrant community. Morada Quintessence is the best in New Mexico because of our robust amenities and active lifestyle.

Whether your parents prefer to spend time in our outdoor courtyard or learn games with friends inside, there's something within our community walls for everyone. Our unmatched assisted living ensures that your parents are in good hands and good health.

Choosing senior living can be challenging, so make it a bit easier by scheduling a tour of our amenities. We're excited to show you why we stand out!