When Parents Do Not Want to Move

While working for over 7 years in marketing at some major senior living communities in Sonoma and Marin Counties, there seems to be a common theme among seniors….they do not want to move to a senior community, particularly after they have lived in their homes for over 20, 30 and in some cases 40 years.  So, how do you get them to move before an emergency happens (they fell and broke a hip), and they have to move.  This is the question that all of us baby boomers are challenged with.  I am also challenged with taking care of aging parents, so I fully understand what adult children are going through.  Here are some suggestion on how to get them to move….this is not a magic bullet, but it will start the wheels turning.  First of all, you need to take little steps. Maybe have a caregiver come in to do the things that they need, meal preparation, medications, help with toileting, that type of thing. Second, if they are social types, and are lonely in their home, they may thrive at a senior community because of the activities and meals that are shared in a communal dining room. third, tell them that they should move while they can make that decision, rather than getting to the point of having to move. Be gentle, never force the issue.  It is a hard decision, but if you gently tell them that being in their home causes you to stay up at night worrying, they may give in. This is not the exact answer, but can give you some ideas you may need to get them moving. Good luck.