Broaching the topic of a retirement community with your parents is a delicate endeavor—it might even be awkward or emotional. Aging is a natural part of life, but not everyone wants to admit it! Even if you’re bringing up the topic to plan for the down the road, it might illicit some negative feelings.

If you’re working up to a conversation with your parent(s) about moving into a retirement community, check out these tips:

1: Do Your Homework: Preparing in advance is always helpful. Write down your specific concerns so that you don’t get flustered if things get emotional. You may also find it helpful to do some cursory research on retirement communities in your area.

2: Be Proactive: Don’t wait until an illness or injury forces the conversation. Positioning the topic as “planning for the future” is much less stressful than making your parent feel like you’re trying to force a decision in the immediate moment.

3: Put Yourself in Their Shoes: Take the time to recognize your parents’ perspectives and feelings. Change is scary, and moving from a family home to a brand-new, unfamiliar environment is a big change.

4: Ask Questions: Find out what your parents currently struggle with. Are they having a hard time with home maintenance? Are they craving a more active social life? Community living alleviates these struggles and much more.

5: Address Their Concerns: Be prepared for potential resistance. It’s normal to worry about losing independence, but patiently addressing their apprehensions can go a long way in reassuring them.

6: Focus on Benefits: Rather than making the conversation all about why they can’t maintain their current lifestyle, try focusing on the benefits of a retirement community, like easy access to healthcare, social and recreational activities, and a more secure living environment.

7: Don’t Skip the Financial Talk: The financial aspect of living in a retirement community is a significant concern for many seniors, so don’t sweep this under the rug. Do your research and come prepared to have a frank, open conversation.

Talking to your parents about moving into a retirement community might feel like a daunting task. But if you approach the conversation with openness, empathy, and preparedness, you can greatly reduce feelings of overwhelm and uncertainty—and you’ll both feel better about the future.