As Lisa shares, part of the process of helping your parent is assessing the landscape and determining if their living situation is really a crisis and requires you to act. Or is there something you can do to make their home safer; an opportunity to insert a little bit of help by starting small?
One suggestion Lisa makes is to ask your parent directly: “How will we know when it’s time for you to move? What will be the signs for us that it is no longer safe for you to be at home?”
This approach is open-ended and less confrontational.
Be patient and listen, truly listen. These simple yet straightforward questions might be the beginning of some wonderful communication and collaborative planning.
Could you benefit from coaching and guidance? Our Aging Life Care Experts are experienced at helping families navigate the landscape and finding balance. CLICK HERE to schedule a call with one of our Certified Care Managers.
Helpful resources and reading:
- The Dance: Finding Balance with Helping an Aging Parent (Aging Wisdom blog post)
- Seven Signs an Aging Loved One May Need Help (Aging Wisdom blog post)
- Know Your Options: The Pros and Cons of Living at Home as You Age (Aging Wisdom blog post)
- What is Long Term Care?(a downloadable Aging Wisdom fact sheet)
- Six Hidden Cost to Caring for an Aging Loved One (a downloadable Aging Wisdom EBook)
- Engage a Care Manager. Aging Wisdom Care Managers are experts in aging and helping individuals and families prepare for and navigate options for aging, caring, and living well. You can schedule a get-acquainted call with us by clicking here.
- If you live outside the greater Seattle area, you can check the Aging Life Care Association, our professional association, for a care manager in your area by clicking here.