Tough talks are going to be a part of your journey as a caregiver. Your senior needs to share with you her feelings and thoughts about her future and current care, but that’s not always easy to talk about.
Here’s what you can do…
The most important aspect of these conversations is for you to stay as patient as possible. Your senior may not be feeling as urgent about some of these topics as you are. It can take her a while to come to your point of view. Pushing the conversation likely won’t help.
It’s really important that your senior trusts that you’re going to do what she wants you to do. That’s often part of why these conversations can be so difficult. If you’re taking notes about what she’s saying, that’s a sign for her that you’re really listening. The bonus is that you have your notes later if you need to refer to them.
- Respect Your Senior’s Wishes as Much as Possible
Your senior may not want everyone in the family to know every little detail about her health issues. Some situations she may feel a little more comfortable sharing, albeit on her own timetable. It’s vital that you’re respecting her wishes about this as much as you possibly can. It’s part of building more trust, too.
- Share Your Thoughts, but Try not to Pressure Your Senior
As your senior’s caregiver, you’re there to help her and to advise her, but she is an adult. She may make decisions you don’t agree with or that you would have gone a different way on, but that has to be okay. Definitely share your thoughts and feelings with her, but try not to pressure her.
- Listen as Much as You Can
You might be tempted to steer the conversation but it’s better for you to open the topic and then listen as much as your senior wants to talk. This is about her and her care, after all, so you need to be open to what she has to share with you. This can be difficult, though, especially if you have strong feelings about the topic.
Tough talks don’t necessarily get easier, but you can definitely manage your reactions and what you do with the information your senior shares with you. As long as you and your senior are respectful with each other, these conversations can bring both of you what you need.
If you or an aging loved-one are considering Caregiver in Montclair, CA, contact the caring staff at No Place Like Home Homecare today at 951-382-5266
About Kristi Duran
Kristi Duran is the owner of No Place Like Home Homecare. Kristi started NPLH because of her absolute love for seniors. She was raised by her grandparents from the day she was born. Kristi has a special connection to seniors and understands their wishes and needs to stay independent.
Kristi has worked in the medical field for years and has seen first-hand how aging seniors want nothing more than to age in the comfort of their own home with dignity and grace. At NPLH, she and her caregivers insure that this happens.
NPLH is not a large franchise. It is a personal family owned homecare service. This insures a one on one personalized touch. Kristi is available 24 hours a day to her clients and their families.