How to Talk about Difficult Issues with Your Senior Loved One

As your elderly loved one ages, there are a number of new situations that could arise regarding his or her health and safety. While talking about things like preferred living accommodations, insurance matters, and the creation of a will can be sensitive, it’s important to involve your loved one in as many decisions as possible so you ensure his or her wishes are taken into consideration. Follow these tips on how to approach difficult topics with your senior loved one. 

Begin the Discussion Sooner Rather than Later

Talking about important issues early, before a health crisis or emergency occurs, is best because it can allow time for research and making informed decisions about the topic in need of discussion. Waiting until your loved one’s cognitive function decreases or he or she slips and falls can only complicate matters. For instance, even if your loved one lives independently with no current need for assistance, discussing home care now can help him or her stay open to the idea in the future. 

One great way to introduce your parent to the idea of getting help at home is to hire a caregiver for a few hours a day or a few days a week. For families living in Livingston, respite care can be a wonderful solution when their aging loved ones need companionship and socialization a few hours a week or just need minor assistance with daily household tasks. At Assisting Hands Home Care, we thrive on helping seniors maintain their independence while living in the comfort of home.

Don’t Go It Alone

Try to involve family members in these discussions. While compromise may be challenging, hearing everyone’s ideas ensures all avenues are covered and no one feels left out. Plan together on how to approach your loved one about any sensitive matters. Also, since including a large number of people in the discussion can make it seem like an intervention, make sure your loved one has plenty of time to speak his or her mind. 

There are a variety of age-related health conditions that can make it more challenging for seniors to live independently. However, many of the challenges they face can be easier to address if their families opt for professional home care service. You can rely on expertly trained caregivers to keep your loved one safe and comfortable while aging in place.

Validate Your Parents

Above all else, make sure to listen to your loved one and take his or her opinion on these matters into account. This is your loved one’s life you’re talking about, and he or she deserves to be in charge of decisions as much as possible. Make sure your loved one’s wishes are heard. Consider how your parent will react to any suggestions and have solutions ready for the various possibilities. 

Depending on your loved one’s health, there are many options for how to approach talking about decisions for the future. Is your parent still able to live independently, or is there reason to believe he or she needs some assistance at home? In the latter case, in-home care can help your loved one remain safe while comfortably aging in place. 

The type of home care Livingston seniors need can vary. Some need assistance a few hours a day, while others require more extensive around-the-clock assistance. At Assisting Hands Home Care, we tailor our care plans based on each senior’s individual care needs, and the plans can be adjusted at any time. Call us today to learn about our comprehensive in-home care plans.