Talking about aging isn't always fun, especially if your elderly family member has avoided the topic in the past. But as your senior's caregiver, these are conversations that you need to have now and again.
Get Clear on Your Own Concerns
You need to be able to focus on what you're most concerned about in regards to your senior's unique situation. Perhaps her driving has been a big worry lately or possibly her health is worsening. You need to make sure that you know what it is that you want to talk about before you open up the conversation.
Group and Prioritize Your Concerns
Once you have a list, take a look at it. If there is anything that can be grouped together, do so. For instance, you might be concerned that your aging family member doesn't get out much anymore, that her friends haven't been around, and that she doesn't call as often. These are all issues having to do with socializing, so you can group them together. You might be worried about her driving and her social life, but her driving is a bigger concern for you. That prioritized list helps you to hit the most important topics first.
Choose Your Time Wisely
If it feels like a bad time to have this conversation with your elderly family member, you're probably right. Choose your time as wisely as you can. Wait for a time that seems like a comfortable time in which you're not likely to be interrupted. That way you've got one less issue working against you.
Remember to Be Compassionate
Put yourself in your senior's shoes. If someone wanted to talk to you about these issues, chances are you might feel a bit uncomfortable or defensive. So don't be surprised if those are some of the reactions that you get from your senior. Hold onto your compassion and don't let your own emotions get away from you.
Ease into the Conversation
If your senior is the blunt type, you might be able to just roll right into what you want to talk about. But most people appreciate a more gentle entry into big topics like this. Look for a local news story that reminds you of your senior's situation or something else that you've heard that could tie in. Use that to segue into the conversation you want to have.
You don't have to have the entire conversation in one go. In fact, your elderly family member might be uncomfortable with the conversation and switch the topic on you more than once. As long as she's thinking about what you've said, you can revisit the topic when she seems more willing to converse.
If You Or An Aging Loved One Are Considering Hiring Caregivers in Boca Raton, FL, Please Contact The Caring Staff At BrightStar Care Today! 561-921-0550.
Get Clear on Your Own Concerns
You need to be able to focus on what you're most concerned about in regards to your senior's unique situation. Perhaps her driving has been a big worry lately or possibly her health is worsening. You need to make sure that you know what it is that you want to talk about before you open up the conversation.
Group and Prioritize Your Concerns
Once you have a list, take a look at it. If there is anything that can be grouped together, do so. For instance, you might be concerned that your aging family member doesn't get out much anymore, that her friends haven't been around, and that she doesn't call as often. These are all issues having to do with socializing, so you can group them together. You might be worried about her driving and her social life, but her driving is a bigger concern for you. That prioritized list helps you to hit the most important topics first.
Choose Your Time Wisely
If it feels like a bad time to have this conversation with your elderly family member, you're probably right. Choose your time as wisely as you can. Wait for a time that seems like a comfortable time in which you're not likely to be interrupted. That way you've got one less issue working against you.
Remember to Be Compassionate
Put yourself in your senior's shoes. If someone wanted to talk to you about these issues, chances are you might feel a bit uncomfortable or defensive. So don't be surprised if those are some of the reactions that you get from your senior. Hold onto your compassion and don't let your own emotions get away from you.
Ease into the Conversation
If your senior is the blunt type, you might be able to just roll right into what you want to talk about. But most people appreciate a more gentle entry into big topics like this. Look for a local news story that reminds you of your senior's situation or something else that you've heard that could tie in. Use that to segue into the conversation you want to have.
You don't have to have the entire conversation in one go. In fact, your elderly family member might be uncomfortable with the conversation and switch the topic on you more than once. As long as she's thinking about what you've said, you can revisit the topic when she seems more willing to converse.
If You Or An Aging Loved One Are Considering Hiring Caregivers in Boca Raton, FL, Please Contact The Caring Staff At BrightStar Care Today! 561-921-0550.