From Resistance to Readiness: Talking Assisted Living with Aging Parents with Shari Ross

Starting the conversation about assisted living isn’t easy, especially when your parent doesn’t want to have it. In this episode, Shari Ross shares her SIMPLE framework, also featured in her book and workbook Senior Living Made Simple, to help guide each step: Support, Information, Matching, Preparation, Letting Go, and Engagement. She also shares how to move from resistance to readiness with compassion, clarity, and respect. We talk about how to recognize when it’s time to speak up, how to begin the conversation without creating conflict, and how to find the balance between helping and pushing too far. You’ll also learn what to look for in assisted living and how to approach the process in a way that preserves your parent’s independence and dignity. As she reminds us, “Planning ahead doesn’t mean giving up independence—it means preserving choice.” Whether you’re just starting to think about next steps or already facing difficult conversations, this episode offers guidance, reassurance, and a path forward. TRANSCRIPT DAUGHTERHOOD