How to Initiate the Conversation
It's never too late to discuss with your parents what they want in the event their health situation changes unless it's after something happens. Don't wait to until you're in crisis mode to talk to your parents. Emotional stress levels will be high enough. Don't add to them.
It is likely that you currently see your parents as being fiercely independent. As a result, you may find that it is very difficult to initiate a conversation on the possibility of needs occurring in the future. Before starting the conversation, there are a few points that you should have at your disposal and a few considerations that should be made.
Long-term care can be expensive.
The cost is based on the type of care you need, how long you need it, where you get it, and what type of medical professional provides it.
The average cost of a stay in a
nursing home in Texas can be as much as $5,000 a month. Skilled
care provided at home can cost about $4,000 a month.
A national median rate per day cost for long-term care in a
nursing home is $225 for a semi-private room and $253 for a
private room. This typically covers room, board, meals,
housekeeping, laundry, life enrichment activities, and
transportation.
When speaking with your loved one, express these costs to them to give them an idea of just how much of an expense long-term care is, when needed.
Next, you should let your loved one know that you want to know what they want and expect when it comes to long-term care. Let them know that you want to make sure that you know this now so that you can ensure that their wishes are met if/when the time comes.
Finally, when speaking about the subject, do not TELL your loved one what is going to happen or how it is going to happen. Instead, approach the subject with the attitude of being open and receptive. Remember, to listen.
Research has shown that, as people age, they prefer to continue living independently, preferably in their own homes and 'age in place'.
While adult children often worry about their parents' situation, it can be difficult to know if parents really need, or want, help from their children
.Talking with your parents a head of time and understanding what they want, allows for the opportunity to honor their wishes, especially if it's not possible for them to communicate at the time due to a stroke or other debilitating illness.
If there are other siblings involved who perhaps have other thoughts and opinions about the situation, there is no room for discussion, as your parents have made their decision(s) clear to everyone.
You could also consider hiring the services provided by a Geriatric Care Manager.
The following suggests ways to speak with your parents about their health, finances, and day-to-day lifestyle.
For your parents' welfare and your peace of mind it's important to have family conversations about staying at home before problems arise. An AARP survey found that parents feel better about having this discussion when things are going well, as part of planning for their future.
Initiating the Conversation
For many adult children, finding the right way to bring up the
subject of independent living is a major stumbling block. Experts in
communication and aging suggest some ways to break the ice.
Let your parents know what you
need. Example: "What
kind of help would you want if you were not able to do everything
yourself and you wanted to continue to live safely in your home."
Share your own emotions about your parents' changing situation and
encourage them to do the same. Example: "I
know you have always prided yourself on being independent. I
imagine it's very difficult to ask for help. Is that right?"
Raise the issues indirectly. Relate
it to someone else's experience or something you have read about or
seen on television. Example: "I
know you're taking pills for your arthritis, heart, and
cholesterol. How do you keep track of which pills to take when?
Would it help if you had one of those medication organizers you
can buy in the drugstore?"
Watch for openings. Example:
"You mentioned having problems
with your eyesight. How does it affect what you normally do, like
reading or driving?"
Give your parents a list of questions or concerns you have. This
could be about their current and future situations. Schedule a time
to sit and talk about your concerns. (Consider your own relationship
with your parents when attempting this.)
Dealing With
Resistance
Respect your parents' feelings when they make it clear that they
want to avoid a subject. You may want to try again at another time,
using a different approach.
Involve Others
This might be a third person that your parents respect, such as a
doctor or clergy, or other family members. You might want to hold a
family meeting at which everyone discusses concerns and develops a
specific, mutually acceptable plan to resolve them.
Investigate community resources.
There are often community resources readily available to help older
people remain independent, such as transportation services or home
care. Check them out. If it's clear to you that your parents do need
assistance, you'll be ready to share options with them.
Focus on Key Points
The first topic to address is your parents' own perceptions about
their current needs, concerns, and worries for the future, as well
as their hopes and goals. There are some major issues that can
affect an older parent's ability to remain independent. Asking
appropriate questions can help you avoid making assumptions about
parents' preferences.
Is Remaining
at Home Possiblity?
Ask them...is
your home still appropriate for your needs? Can you still manage
stairs or are you better off on one floor? Does your home have
safety hazards that need to be removed? Could simple modifications
make it easier for you or more convenient? Should you think about
living somewhere else?
Do They Need
Help?
Ask them...do you need help
with household chores, such as cleaning, fixing meals, or taking
care of the house or yard? Does trouble seeing interfere with your
daily activities? Can you easily hear a knock at the door or the
telephone ringing?
Can you get to your doctor
appointments? Is driving the car getting difficult? Do you have
reliable transportation for shopping, medical visits, religious
services, and visiting with family and friends? If it's obvious assistance is needed you could always consider
arranging for
in-home
care.
Health Issues
Ask them...what health
problems do you have? Are your prescriptions current? Have you been
to the doctor lately? What did he or she say about your health? Did
the doctor review all your medications to be sure there are no
possible bad reactions? Are you having any problems taking your
medications? Could you use some help remembering what pills to take
and when to take them? Can you pay for the medicines the doctor
tells you to take?
Finances
This topic is a particularly tricky area for adult children and
their parents to discuss. You may want to be less direct than the
following questions, depending on your comfort level.
Ask them...what are your
current and likely future bills? Can you pay for what you need? Do
you need help getting government or pension benefits? Are your
Social Security and pension checks deposited directly in the bank?
Is all your financial information in one place? What about getting
extra income from the equity in your house?
Have you thought about how you might need money in the future to
help you do everyday activities you might not be able to do
yourself? Do you have any bills you can't pay?
Keeping the Conversation Positive
Avoid role reversal.
Talking
to parents and helping them meet their needs doesn't mean you are
"parenting" them. The most productive interactions come when parents
and older children are equal in the relationship.
Be prepared to let your parents make their own life choices, even if
you don't agree with them. Your parents have the right to make their
own decisions (as long as they are not impaired with Alzheimer's
disease or other dementia).
The Bottom Line...
As people age, they prefer to continue living independently preferably in their own homes. Talk to your parents about their situation so you can determine whether they need or want your help. Consider emphasizing the issue if your parents' health or safety is at risk.
This must be a personal decision, recognizing your parents' right to be in charge of their own lives. Act firmly, but with compassion if you decide you cannot avoid intervening. Such as...."Mom, Dad, we can't ignore this any longer. We have to deal with it."
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