Questions to Ask Your Parents When Planning for Senior Living

According to the National Institute on Aging, about 85% of aging adults suffer from at least one chronic medical condition that can interfere with their day-to-day lives.
However, it may not be easy to know how much the health condition affects your loved one. This is because most older adults in Lincolnton, North Carolina, tend to mask their issues until they get too overwhelmed.
Asking your loved ones some questions about senior living and care planning can help them get the assistance they need and change their lives for the better.
Let's discuss some key questions to ask your parents to guide conversations and make informed decisions about senior living.
How Are You Feeling?
This is a great general question to start aging parent conversations about senior care planning. Encouraging your parents to respond comprehensively to their feelings allows you to discuss more serious topics. Ensure you delve deeper into their answers.
If they respond with "fine," find other questions to get more honest information from them. Some of these questions include the following:
- When was your last visit to the doctor, and how did it go?
- How was your day yesterday?
- Do you talk to your friends often?
- When was the last time you left the house?
By getting genuine answers to the questions above, you get better insight into how your loved ones feel. This way, you can proceed to discuss senior living in Lincolnton.
Do You Feel Lonely?
Most seniors, especially those living alone, often experience feelings of depression and loneliness. Regular social interactions in assisted living communities in Lincolnton help improve cognitive health and prevent loneliness in aging adults.
Depending on how your parent responds to this question, you can pinpoint the need to help them make friends and socialize more with their peers. It's normal for most people to deflect or lie about their mental well-being.
If you notice your parent avoiding this question, don't give up on them. Be more patient and continue trying to get more information. This is the only way you can get honest answers that will assist in making eldercare decisions.
How Often Do You Exercise?
Staying active is essential for seniors as it ensures their health is in check and prevents cognitive decline. However, most people find exercise tiresome and end up neglecting it. Lack of exercise in seniors may lead to severe health conditions, including the following:
- High blood pressure
- Extra weight gain
- Heart disease
- High cholesterol
- Diabetes
- Depression
For seniors with existing medical conditions, their health may deteriorate, and their symptoms may worsen if they fail to exercise.
If your parent is not involved in regular physical activity, it's time to sign them up for a senior living community. In a community, they can engage in senior activities that benefit their well-being.
TerraBella Lincolnton has a full calendar of events and fun activities to keep residents involved and interested. Your parent can choose from exciting games, educational programs, themed parties, and exercise programs. Enrolling your loved one in this retirement community in Lincolnton, NC, can positively impact their overall lifestyle.
What's Your Current Financial Status?
Asking your loved ones about their financial situation may seem intrusive. However, assure your parents that you mean well and are looking out for them.
Knowing how your parents are doing financially will help you plan your future better and can be a basis for assisted living questions. Besides, learning how far your loved one's finances go will help you find an affordable senior living community in Lincolnton that fits your budget.
In addition, find out where your parent keeps their most important documents. This information will come in handy, especially in emergencies. Stay updated whenever your loved ones move their documents to avoid searching for them when the time comes.
Additionally, enquire about their end-of-life plans and whether they have an advance healthcare directive, power of attorney, or a will. These documents will come in handy in protecting their wishes and making informed decisions during times of crisis.
What Daily Routines Do You Find Most Essential?
When discussing assisted living or retirement plans with your parents, it's essential to find out the amenities and routines that are most important to them. This makes the transition to a senior living community more seamless and easier for you and your parents.
Below are some of the amenities and services that seniors find most essential in their daily lives:
- Housekeeping and maintenance
- Healthy and delicious meals
- Laundry services
- Beautiful outdoor spaces
- Health and wellness programs
At TerraBella Lincolnton, we have these and more amenities and services. Our community will assist your loved one in the transition seamlessly and comfortably.
How Well Do You Manage Your Medication?
Proper medicine management helps your parents stay healthy. If they experience issues with dosages, it may negatively affect their physical and mental health.
Seniors are likely to forget to take their pills or may take the wrong pills at the wrong time. If you notice your parent is missing several pills daily, it may be time to think about eldercare planning.
For some aging adults, setting up a pill organizer may be helpful. However, moving to an assisted living community in Lincolnton may be the best step for most seniors.
As you engage in meaningful conversations with your parents, you'll realize the right path to enhance their quality of life.
Ensure the Best Senior Living Experience by Learning Questions to Ask Your Parents
Knowing which questions to ask your parents can ensure Lincolnton family guidance, especially regarding issues regarding eldercare planning. By learning more about their interests, health conditions, and financial situations, you can find a senior living community that best suits their needs.
At TerraBella Lincolnton Assisted Living and Memory Care Community, we have experienced team members and supportive caregivers who ensure your loved ones are well cared for as they age. We provide on-site services and amenities like housekeeping, laundry, and salon and barber services to help our residents thrive.
Contact us today for the best senior living experience for your parents.