Communication with Elderly - Nursing Home Care

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????? Communication

It's not easy to communicate to elderly parents about what's going to happen as they age. Who's going to take care of them? Where can they go? What should they do? These questions and more plague both parents and adult children faced with such issues.

Housing, senior home care, residential care homes, space considerations and finances need to be addressed. Can you afford to take care of your parents? Would they be better off in a senior care facility? Can he or she afford such care?

Communicating with elderly parents about these issues and many more is only a part of the care giving process. Adult children must overcome obvious reluctance to discuss such issues and find the words that convey concern without making a parent feel like a burden, or worse ? unwanted.

Broaching the Subject of Care

It may be difficult to mention your concerns to your parent. However, remember that open and honest communication is vital. What you say and how you say it will depend on various factors, such as:

? Your mother or father's current medical health

? Where he or she lives nearby, in another state, or even in your home

? Current support and help factors

? Medical prognosis of certain conditions such as Alzheimer's, frailty or convalescence from surgery, illness or injury

Remember that, depending on age, health and awareness, reactions may range from:

? Relief to openly discuss issues

? Denial that such issues are relevant

? Fear

? Anxiety

? Dread

Some parents are more than willing to discuss options. Others may crumble into tears, perhaps fearing that you don't want the burden of caring for them. Others may find it hard to accept that he or she needs help with daily living activities, medications or medical care. Be prepared for anything.

Above all, be patient. Don't bring up every issue or concern you have all at once. In some cases, the parent may bring up issues and at others, it will be like pulling teeth to get him or her to discuss anything.

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