At Chateau Retirement Communities, we understand that supporting senior loved ones as they age comes with challenges, important decisions, and often, tough conversations. L.E. “Ellie” Brown, our Vice President of Sales, recently joined Suzanne Newman, host of Answers with Elders, to discuss how families can best navigate this journey.
Every day, Ellie works closely with families who are trying to determine the best path forward for their aging parents and loved ones. A common challenge she encounters is the misconception that regular visits from family provide the same level of social engagement as living in a community setting. As Ellie explains, “A daughter might say, ‘I visit with my mom every day, so she’s got socialization.’ But peer-to-peer socialization is different. Visiting my dad is definitely visiting, but when he’s with his compadres—people in his age group—it’s a different experience.”
Conversations about transitioning to senior living can be complex. Every family has its own dynamics, and there’s no one-size-fits-all roadmap. “At the end of the day, how do we best support our parents—our loved ones—who have every right to make their own decisions as independent, honorable people who have lived full lives?” Ellie shares. “Of course, when cognitive issues like dementia come into play, families may need to step in more actively. But knowing when to have these conversations, how to approach them, and when tough love is necessary—that’s the challenge. Most of the time, we’re acting out of concern because something has changed.”
At Chateau Retirement Communities, we are here to guide families through these difficult transitions with empathy, expertise, and a deep commitment to honoring the independence and dignity of our residents. Whether you are exploring options for the future or facing immediate concerns, our team is ready to help.
Listen to the full conversation or watch the interview on YouTube below to gain deeper insights into supporting your senior loved ones.
