How can I convince my mother that it's time to make the move to an assisted living facility?

First and foremost, consider all the options for your parents.

You have indicated your father is ready to move to assisted living.

Is that based on an assessment of his daily activities, advice from a medical professional or licensed caregiver? If a proper assessment has not been done, perhaps now if the time to take that step so everyone in the family understands current care requirements.

Today there are a great many services that can help you parent’s stay in their home and allow you some peace of mind about their day-to-day welfare.

Moving is extremely stressful for older adults and can have its own impact on their health if not handled properly, so be sure you have taken time to have a frank, calm, open conversation with your parents to explore their concerns and discuss alternatives.

By exploring options and the availability of local services, such as home care, day care or homemaker services, you may be able to find some common ground and establish a long term plan.

Moving to Assisted Living has significant financial, psychological and social impact on both your parents, especially if they are moving miles away from friends and community. If health allows, sometimes a transition like this is better done in steps.

Your parents may be more comfortable starting with help at home as you work together to create a plan for transition to senior living community.

You are fortunate that your parent’s care is not currently in crisis and because of that you have a great opportunity to work as a team to create the best possible scenario for them.

Listen first.