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Find Care in Vermont

Where to Begin:
Senior Living for My Loved One

When you seek out senior living for a parent or other loved one, you may have many concerns. You may worry your mother will feel isolated in a senior living community or that your father will receive subpar care.

Families put their trust in a residential living community because it offers the level of high-quality care needed now and in the future, from independent living to rehabilitation – so you can regain peace of mind.

It’s understandable that you may be hesitant about moving your loved one to a senior living community — you want what’s best for them. To help you make a sound decision, here's a resource guide to help families help their loved one.

Step 1: Doing the Research

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It’s completely normal to feel overwhelmed when you begin exploring senior living communities for a loved one. You likely have questions about care options, wellness initiatives, and if your mom or dad will even be happy in this environment. Doing your research will ease your mind and allow you to move forward.

Is Now the Right Time for Senior Living for Your Loved One?

Knowing when to transition a parent to a senior living community can be difficult. However, if your loved one is struggling to keep pace with daily chores or needs assistance with tasks like bathing or cooking, a change is needed. Familiarize yourself with the telltale signs that now is the time for senior living. Many of community residents often say “Don’t wait, move while you are able to manage the move and enjoy the new lifestyle.”
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Finding the Right Care Option

The best care option for your parent is one that offers high-quality support while promoting a spirit of independence. Different senior living communities offer different levels of support – from independent and assisted living to skilled nursing and memory care. Before you choose an option, educate yourself on the difference between each care option.
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Financial Planning for Senior Living

Price is an important concern when families start discussing long-term care options. Though monthly costs can range widely depending on community location, available services, and other factors, there are many different ways to pay for high-quality care.
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Step II: Weighing Your Options

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If you’re ready to take the next step toward providing your loved one with high-quality active living with care at your fingertips should the need arise, congratulations! Though coming to terms with your mom or dad’s changing needs isn’t easy, this decision will benefit your entire family. To successfully navigate this phase, review the resources below.

Talking to Parents About Senior Living

Loved ones don’t always agree about long-term care solutions. Sometimes, parents feel like their children are trying to shift the burden of care when, in reality, they just want what’s best for them. To successfully navigate these tough conversations, it helps to prepare beforehand.
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How to Evaluate Senior Living Communities

Before you begin touring senior living communities with your loved one, make a list of non-negotiables. Do they want a two-bedroom apartment to accommodate out-of-town guests? Are they interested in a variety of dining options? How close is the hospital? You’ll want to review all your top factors to consider before helping your loved one choose a senior living community.

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Free checklists

Step III: Starting Your Next Chapter

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After finding the right fit for your mother or father, don’t stray from your choice. Though you may have second thoughts about long-term care, remember that your parent deserves to thrive in a safe and secure community surrounded by like-minded people. However, before they can begin living a maintenance-free lifestyle, there’s still a bit more work to be done.

Tips for Downsizing

After existing in the same house for decades, many older adults are intimidated by the thought of downscaling. They may worry about fitting their possessions into an apartment home, especially if certain objects have sentimental value. However, with some preparation, the moving process can actually be cathartic.
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How to Smoothly Transition to Senior Living

It’s completely normal for older adults to be nervous before moving to a senior living community. After all, this is a big change. To help your mom or dad feel more at home, review our list of tips for transitioning to senior living.
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