5 Conversation Starters When Visiting Your Parents at an Assisted Living Facility

Your parents have made a major lifestyle change.

They’ve traded in the headaches of home maintenance for the easier, more efficient life of an assisted living facility.

But this new environment can present a challenge for you—what do you talk about when you go visit them?

It can be a bit awkward knowing where to start sometimes, but the key to having meaningful conversations with your parents center around their favorite activities and memories. That’s why we’ve provided these conversation starters to help you get the most out of your visit.

Conversation Starters for Visiting Parents at An Assisted Living Facility

1. Activities and events

Showing an interest in how they are getting along and new friends they have made gives you an idea of their life in their new home. Free from the daily chores of home maintenance, you may discover that your parents have developed new hobbies and discovered new talents.

Take time to discuss these events with them. Perhaps your parent painted a picture of which they’re particularly proud. Let them show this to you and encourage them.

You may want to ask about any upcoming events that are going on, and encourage them to attend. After all, these are perfect opportunities to meet other residents.

There are also several activities you can do with your parents at an ALF (assisted living facility). This may mean having dinner with them or helping them with craft projects. Just ask our staff, and we’ll be happy to provide suggestions.

We’ve also made sure that our residents are safe during the COVID-19 pandemic. Most have been fully vaccinated, and we are allowing communal activities. (You can check out our latest updates here.)

2. Their Childhood

You may have already heard snippets of conversations when your parents talked about what things were like growing up. But instead of seeing this as a repeat of some of the things you’ve heard before, use it as an opportunity to ask more in-depth questions that could have answers that surprise you.

Some of the questions you may want to ask include:

      • What was the first movie you ever saw?
      • What games did you play when you were a child?
      • Who were your best friends as you were growing up?
      • Did you play any sports in high school?
      • When did you buy your first television? (or microwave, or computer)
      • What is your earliest memory?
      • What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?

3. Historical Events

You may find that your parents have a wealth of knowledge about famous events. Even though you’ve read about these in the history books, hearing a different, firsthand perspective makes these happenings even more real.

For example, you might want to ask them what it was like watching the moon landing. Or if your parents saw the Beatles when the band appeared on the Ed Sullivan show. Do they remember watching Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I have a dream…” speech?

You may want to limit your questions to positive historic events to avoid upsetting or stressful memories.

4. Ask Questions About Their Family Tree

This is a time to also record family history. Ask them about your grandparents and great-grandparents. Chances are they have a lot of stories to tell. These are wonderful stories that you can pass down to your own children and relatives.

Even better, take notes and compile these into a journal or small book. This would be an excellent Christmas present for your relatives.

5. Ask Questions About Their Career

You may be surprised to discover your parents’ first jobs. Where did they work? What type of work did they do? What were their coworkers like?

You may discover that your parents were groundbreaking pioneers in the workplace, and the lessons they learned could still be relevant today.

Coastal Pointe is a Family Centered Assisted Living Community

Of course, these are just a few of the conversation starters and activities you can do with your parents at an ALF.

Your family is important to you and having mom and dad in a place where they can live independently but still get a helping hand now and then is a great relief. This allows you to leave your role as caregiver and step back into your role as son or daughter.

In addition, Coastal Pointe’s flat fee pricing means we won’t “nickel and dime” you for every minor extra. Your parents get the care they deserve in a place that honors their independence and dignity.

We also have a community partnership with a local pharmacy that enables us to offer a higher level of service for our residents.

Nestled near the quaint coastal town of Shallotte, we’re one of Brunswick County’s newest senior living communities. See what makes us different. Schedule a tour today. But hurry—our spaces fill quickly!