Questions to Ask Your Parents When Exploring Senior Care

There are many ways you can tell that your aging parents might need more help than they do living on their own - they might be becoming more forgetful, or they might be getting injured more often due to falls, etc. Whatever the case, you will need to have senior care conversations with them sooner rather than later.

Having such open, compassionate eldercare discussions is essential. But knowing what questions to ask your parents and how to ask them can be tricky.

The goal isn't just to plan logistics; it's to understand your parents' preferences, values, and hopes for the next stage of life. By asking thoughtful family caregiving questions, you not only gather vital information but also show respect for their autonomy. Here's a guide to the most important questions to ask your parents when planning assisted living in Des Moines, IA (located 114 miles away from Iowa City).

1. How Do You Feel About Your Current Living Situation?

This question starts the conversation by acknowledging their present comfort and satisfaction.

Are you comfortable living here?
Do you feel safe at home?
Is it easy for you to get around and take care of everything?

By talking to aging parents, you can reveal whether their current home still meets their needs or if changes should be made, either by modifying the home or considering a new setting.

2. Are You Finding It Harder to Keep Up With Daily Tasks?

Asking this helps you understand if your parents are experiencing difficulty with everyday activities such as:

Cooking meals
Cleaning the house
Doing laundry
Getting dressed or bathing
Managing medications

These challenges could point toward the need for assistance, whether it's help at home or a move to an assisted living community.

3. Have You Thought About Where You'd Like to Live in the Future?

This invites your parents to share their preferences without making assumptions.

Would you want to stay in your current home with support?
Have you considered moving to a smaller home or a senior community?
What do you think about senior living communities?

They may already have a vision in mind, or this could be the first time they've considered their options. Either way, it opens the door to explore assisted living, independent living, memory care, or in-home care.

4. What Kind of Help Would Make Your Life Easier?

This question is less about identifying problems and more about offering solutions.

Would help with groceries, or housework, make a difference?
Would you feel better having someone check in regularly?

It can also ease resistance by framing care as support rather than a loss of independence.

5. Are You Managing Your Health and Medications Comfortably?

Medication mismanagement is a common issue among older adults.

Do you remember to take your medications every day?
Are there any side effects or new symptoms you've noticed?
Would you like help organizing or reviewing your medications?

If managing prescriptions becomes difficult, it might be time to explore support from caregivers or licensed professionals.

6. What Activities Bring You Joy or Give You Purpose?

Understanding what brings your parents fulfillment can guide your decisions about senior care.

Do you enjoy being around other people?
Would you like to participate in community activities or events?
What hobbies do you wish you had more time or support for?

Whether they value solitude or social time, quiet hobbies or group fitness classes, their answers will help determine the best fit for their emotional and social well-being.

7. How Are You Feeling Emotionally and Mentally?

Older adults often struggle with loneliness, anxiety, or depression, but they may not voice it openly.

Do you feel isolated or lonely at times?
Is there anything weighing on your mind lately?
Would talking to someone help?

Depending on their answers, you may want to explore options that provide stronger social connections or even counseling support.

8. Do You Have a Plan for Medical Emergencies?

Many seniors don't have a clear plan in case of a fall, stroke, or other health crisis.

What would you want us to do if you had a medical emergency?
Do you have a medical alert system?
Who should we call in an emergency?

Knowing their wishes can help prevent confusion later and ensure your family is prepared.

9. Have You Completed Legal and Financial Planning for the Future?

This can be a sensitive area, but it's vital for smooth care coordination.

Do you have a will or trust?
Is there a durable power of attorney for healthcare and finances?
Have you designated someone to make medical decisions if you're unable to?

If they haven't yet, now is the time to meet with an elder law attorney or financial planner to get these documents in place.

10. What Are Your Fears or Concerns About Getting Older?

Addressing their emotional concerns is just as important as the practical ones.

Are you worried about losing your independence?
Do you have concerns about memory loss or illness?
What do you fear most about senior care?

Listening to their concerns can guide your approach and help you find care options that ease those fears.

11. Are There Senior Living Communities or Services You're Interested In?

Your parent may have done some research on their own or heard from friends.

Have you visited or heard about any local assisted living communities?
Would you like to take a tour or learn more?
Do you prefer something close to home, near family, or in a different climate?

This allows you to begin exploring options together without rushing the decision.

Questions to Ask Your Parents - Take Your Time With Them

These questions to ask your parents aren't about taking control. They're about sharing control, understanding their values, and partnering with them to make decisions that honor their wishes and dignity.

At Addington Place of Des Moines, we ensure our residents' days are filled with the hobbies and activities they wish to do, in an environment that's warm and welcoming, and with their friends and a caring team always around.

It's time for you to explore such a great assisted living planning option for your aging parent. Schedule a tour of our community today.