Why the Holiday Season Is an Ideal Time to Talk to Parents about Retirement Living
Helpful Tips for Adult Children from Classic Residence by Hyatt
Chicago, IL -
December 1, 2009
You enjoy your holiday visits with your parents, but this year
you notice that they're struggling to keep up with their house and
daily responsibilities. It may be difficult, but perhaps it's time
to bring up the senior living options that can make life easier for
them-and for you.
To help start a positive discussion about senior living, Classic
Residence by Hyatt, a leading provider of senior living
communities, offer the following tips:
- Set a time. Set aside time for just you and
your parents and siblings to talk. You may or may not want to
include spouses. Be aware that involving too many people could put
your parents on the defensive.
- Find out what their concerns are. Ask your
parents if they have thought about the future. What if Mom fell or
Dad could no longer drive? How would they maintain their
independence if their circumstances changed?
- Conduct research and anticipate questions.
What do the senior living communities in the area offer? How do
they differ from one another? Anticipate the questions that your
parents may have and have answers prepared or be ready to provide
them with informational literature.
- Tour senior living communities. Tour the
communities that interest you and discuss your parents' questions
and concerns with a sales counselor, who is there to work with you.
By speaking about senior living from firsthand knowledge and
addressing your parents' specific questions, you'll demonstrate
your commitment to the process.
- Let Mom and Dad know you care. Talk to your
parents about your concerns and why you gathered information.
Moving to a senior living community is their choice. Letting them
know how much you care may help them warm to the idea.
- Be prepared to be surprised. Many adult
children learn their parents aren't as resistant to senior living
as they may have believed. Remember, it is possible that they feel
burdened by the costs and responsibilities of home ownership and
have already discussed senior living between themselves.
"We all prize our independence, but older adults are often
afraid of losing theirs," said JoAnne Carlin, vice president of
resident care, Classic Residence by Hyatt. "Residents of senior
living communities often find that the services provided promote
and even enhance their independence and their lifestyle."
About Classic Residence by Hyatt
Classic Residence by Hyatt is a national leader in senior living
that develops, owns and operates communities for older adults in
Scottsdale, Ariz.; Monterey, Calif. (owned by Pacifica Companies
and managed by Classic Residence by Hyatt); Palo Alto, Calif.; San
Diego, Calif.; Highlands Ranch, Colo.; Aventura, Fla.; Boca Raton,
Fla.; Hollywood, Fla.; Lantana, Fla.; Naples, Fla.; Plantation,
Fla.; Pompano Beach, Fla.; Glenview, Ill.; Chevy Chase, Md.; Reno,
Nev.; Teaneck, N.J.; Yonkers, N.Y.; Hilton Head Island, S.C.; and
Dallas, Texas. Classic Residence by Hyatt's newest continuing care
retirement community is under development in Scottsdale, Ariz. A
major expansion has just been completed in San Diego, Calif.
Classic Residence by Hyatt communities have earned honors for being
among the nation's finest, including Platinum, Gold, and Silver
Achievement Awards from the National Association of Home Builders
50+ Housing Council. The company's Web site is at http://www.viliving.com.
Classic Residence by Hyatt is a privately held company and is
independent from Hyatt Hotels and Resorts.
