Helping your parents embrace retirement living: A guide for UK families

Highlight the benefits of retirement living

Educate your parents and yourself about the advantages of retirement homes, explore positive factors such as safety, convenience, and peace of mind. Aside from the wider known benefits like on-site care services, facilities and activities, and maintenance free living, there is also lots of opportunity for socialisation and community engagement. This can really help combat feelings of loneliness and isolation commonly experienced by older people.

Address concerns about independence

Many people in their later years fear losing their independence when considering a move to a retirement home. Assure your parents that retirement living promotes complete independence and freedom while providing necessary support when needed. Discuss availability of customisable care plans that allow residents to maintain control over their daily routines and decision-making processes.

Explore different retirement communities

Arrange visits to various retirement communities in the UK to give your parents a firsthand experience of what each has to offer. Encourage them to explore the facilities, meet staff members, and interact with current residents. Seeing the vibrant community atmosphere and well-maintained amenities can alleviate apprehensions and inspire confidence in the decision to move. 

At ExtraCare, we highly recommend those who are exploring their options to come along with their families to one of our open days. Here you can meet with our Property Advisors to ask any questions, have a tour of the village, and speak to residents.

Many of our locations also have guest suites, meaning you can stay overnight for a small fee and really get a taste of retirement living.

Address financial concerns

Financial considerations often play a significant role in the decision-making process for retirement living. Research and provide transparent information about the costs associated with different retirement homes, including the property prices, service charges, benefits available and potential funding options such as government assistance or equity release schemes. This will help your parents to learn that investing in their future wellbeing is a worthwhile decision.

You are more than welcome to give our Property Advisors a call to discuss these things for when you approach the subject with your parent. Over half of the enquiries we receive are from family members or close friends calling on behalf of someone.

Involve them in the decision making process

Empower your parents by involving them in the decision-making process every step of the way. Encourage open communication and actively listen to their preferences, concerns, and expectations regarding retirement living. After all, it is ultimately their decision. Collaborate on creating a list of criteria for the ideal retirement home for them, taking into account factors such as location, amenities, and care services. You might think of things they hadn’t thought of and vice versa!

Highlight the relief of home maintenance

One of the burdens of aging in place is the upkeep of a home. Emphasise the relief retirement living offers from the responsibilities of home maintenance, including gardening, repairs, and everyday household chores. Explain how downsizing to a retirement home allows for a worry-free lifestyle, enabling them to focus more on enjoying their retirement years to the fullest.

Plan for the future

Discuss long term care planning with your parents, highlighting the importance of proactive decision making to ensure their future needs are met. Emphasise how retirement living offers a continuum of care, whilst remaining independent for longer.

Share success stories

Share testimonials and success stories from other families who have embraced retirement living as a positive lifestyle choice. Hearing firsthand accounts of improved quality of life, enhanced social connections, and peace of mind can provide reassurance and inspiration to your parents.

Take a look at ExtraCare’s resident stories here and read firsthand experiences.

Ultimately, considering retirement options requires empathy, understanding, and effective communication. By highlighting the benefits of retirement living, addressing concerns, and being proactively involved in the whole process, you can help your loved ones embrace this transition with confidence and optimism. Remember, the goal is to support your parents in living their best lives!