How to Talk About Moving to a Retirement Community

For older adults, the idea of moving to a retirement community can be a decision fraught with fears and many questions, reports the New York Times . Often, there is a reluctance to leave home, the fear of losing independence, and concern about overall costs. However, experts say patience is important for families encouraging such a move for a loved one. Tom Neubauer, executive vice president at Erickson Living, which operates 19 retirement communities, says, "Inherently there's a sense of denial, particularly as it relates to aging, and you're trying to defeat that." He compared the decision to that of a high school student choosing a college. Neubauer had challenges convincing his mother to join a retirement community. He was successful by pointing out the benefits that could come from making the move. Others say the conversation should be frank and open about quality of life and goals in later years of life.