Talking to Your Loved One About Senior Care

RightConversations^® Guide

Concern about your aging loved one’s safety and comfort at home may be overwhelming at times. Talking about getting help for them can bring up many emotions for all involved. The subject can be difficult to broach, and you may not feel comfortable initiating the conversation. If you feel this way, you are not alone.

Communication barriers are a real challenge for family caregivers. Conflicts within the family and communication gaps with health care providers can lead to frustration and stress in the caregiving cycle. Our RightConversations^® Guide provides a solid foundation for families to talk about getting help for a senior loved one. The suggestions in the RightConversations^® guide will help your loved one remain in their home safely for as long as possible while reducing the stress that accompanies family caregiving.

Follow the RightConversations^® Guide's simple steps to ensure that your aging parent, spouse or friend is getting the care that he or she needs to ensure their well-being.

1. Gather accurate, relevant information
2. Determine the level of concern warranted
3. Review the facts and avoid personal biases
4. Involve siblings
5. Plan the conversation
6. Create a positive conversation
7. Be aware of differences in communication styles
8. Understand why your loved one may withhold information
9. Do not make your loved one feel ambushed
10. What to do if your loved one says no

Incorporating these tips and our other RightConversations® tools will help your family talk about senior care and develop a communication plan that ensures a positive experience for your aging loved one and other family members, while limiting your stress.