Starting the Conversation That It Might Be Time for a Move

The moment you notice your parents struggling with everyday tasks or forgetting important details may be the moment to start thinking about their future living situation. It’s not easy for anyone to move from the house they have lived in for years, but sometimes it’s necessary for both your peace of mind and your loved one’s

Starting the conversation about the future with aging parents can be scary. Still, with patience and preparation, you can create a conversation that honors their dignity without feeling like walking on eggshells. At WellRive, we’re here to help—here are some tips for discussing and caring for your aging parents.

How To Talk to Aging Parents About Their Future

Start the discussion early. Sometimes their wishes may differ from what seems safest or most practical, so frame the discussion not as an intervention, but as a joint planning session focused on maintaining their quality of life.

Choose the Right Moment

Find a time when all parties are calm and, preferably, in a good mood. Avoid bringing it up during emotionally charged moments, such as holidays, family disagreements, or immediately after a health scare.

Approach With Empathy

Your parents have the right to make their own decisions. Acknowledge that this is a complex topic for everyone involved, and don’t ambush them.

Try starting with an “I’m worried about you,” or “I want to make sure you feel heard.” Never use an accusatory tone like “You need to move,” or “You can’t live here anymore.”

Ask—Don’t Tell

Use open-ended questions to get them talking about their hopes and worries, such as:

• “How do you envision the next five or 10 years looking?”
• “What matters most to you regarding your living situation and the support you receive?”
• “If something unexpected happened, what kind of help would you want?”

Involve Family

Include your siblings in the conversation. Having more support and people backing you up can help, but make sure everyone is on the same page before you have the conversation with your parent.

Aging Parents and Senior Care Options To Consider

Once you have an idea of your loved one’s preferences and needs, it’s time to explore the many caregiving options available for support and living arrangements. These can range from hiring a skilled nurse to help at home to downsizing a house or moving to a senior living community.

We know how hard these changes can be for aging loved ones, which is why we are set on helping as much as we can. WellRive provides many services to ease the transition, so you and your loved ones can focus on managing emotions while we handle all the planning and management.

Moving Services

If you decide the best route is a move, the process can be stressful and frustrating. Make sure everything is taken care of with WellRive’s moving services. We have been helping seniors for more than 30 years with a compassionate approach, understanding how complicated this process can be.

Sorting and Downsizing Services

Downsizing can be challenging when you’re leaving a home filled with stories and memories. Sorting and downsizing services from WellRive can help families make tough decisions about what to keep, what to give to family, what to donate, and what to sell, always with your goals and preferences in mind.

Settling In Services

A house does not become a home until the last box is unpacked and all pictures are on the walls. Settling in services ensure the move is completed as soon as possible, usually within a day or two. The benefits of WellRive’s settling services go beyond aesthetics—they also improve safety, reduce stress, and save time.

Resources for Families Navigating Senior Caregiving Decisions

Remember, you don’t have to navigate these big decisions alone. There are numerous professional resources available to help you stay informed, such as:

• The National Institute on Aging (NIA). The NIA, part of the National Institutes of Health, is a fantastic resource for reliable, research-based information on health, aging, and caregiving.
• Legal and Financial Professionals. Consult with an elder law attorney to discuss important matters such as a Power of Attorney and a will. A financial advisor can help assess how your parents will fund their long-term care needs.
• Care Out Loud. Because you need support too, Care Out Loud offers free resources, cheat sheets, and further guidance on how to have hard conversations with older adults you’re caring for.
• Chorus. This resource is a care coordination platform that uses everyday tech (phone & text) to connect families with trusted services — such as transportation, appointment scheduling, and home repairs — all while keeping everyone informed.
• WellRive. We provide many different services, so your family doesn’t have to worry about anything other than each other. We handle the details and provide the necessary connections to ensure a smooth transition, no matter your parents’ unique situation.

Taking the Next Step Toward a Safe and Comfortable Transition With WellRive

The journey of caring for aging parents should be taken little by little. The initial conversation is the first step on a path that should be revisited many times and changed as needed. By starting early, communicating with respect and compassion, and taking advantage of professional services, you make the transition easier for all parties.
Contact WellRive today to learn more about our services and how we can help. Our consultations are free and come with no obligation. Let’s work together to make the next chapter for you or your loved one easier!