The senior care conversation can be a very difficult one to have with an older parent. That doesn’t mean that it’s not an important one to have, though. In fact, it might be one of the most important talks you ever will have with your parent, and it’s certainly one that could affect them for the rest of their life. So, while it is not an easy talk to have, it is one that is vital, and the repercussions of your joint decision may have a lasting effect.
The problem is that a lot of Baby Boomers–that generation that has just become senior citizens or is about to become the same–donot know a lot about the care process or what they should be looking for when it comes to getting assistance. This means that you need to take charge here and help them to learn what they need to know. In the meantime, you will be educating yourself, too. The worst case scenario is that you will be making a more informed decision when it comes time to decide on which senior care path is right for your family.
One of the toughest parts of this is that a role reversal seems to be taking place. In the past, when you were a child, it was your parent who initiated the tough talks, they were the ones that led the conversation, and they were the ones that were the authorities throughout your youth. But now, this is something that you are taking charge on, and it might seem to not feel right.
Unfortunately, there’s no easy way to avoid this. For many people, it will be an awkward situation, and the only way to get it over with is just to have it. You will find, though, that if you approach your mom or dad with love and understanding, that it will go much easier than you might think. And the best part of this is that it will do wonders for your loved one’s future. Getting the right care, and having their input when making a decision, will not only help you to get their needs covered, but it will improve their happiness, too. This helps you to better address both physical and mental health at the same time.
There are many kinds of senior care out there, and some are more helpful than others, but all choices that you might consider need to be evaluated on a case by case basis, and not just on what is easiest, or most cost effective, or even on the suggestions of your friends. Each senior citizen has their own specific set of needs, and each must be given consideration on their own merits. What is right for one person could be counterproductive for another. In-home care might be perfect for your parent, but it might actually be harmful to someone else’s because of advanced medical needs. If you have questions, a doctor or senior care advocate can be a helpful resource.
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