Tips for Building Meaning Relationships with Your Aging Loved Ones

As we age and the people in our lives grow older, our relationships change. Sometimes, those changes bring us closer, but they can also drive us apart. If there is a loved one in your life who you feel like you’re drifting away from, consider ways to build a more meaningful relationship with your aging loved one. 

Start a Conversation by Asking Questions

There was a time in your aging loved one’s life when you were not born, and chances are, there is a lot that happened in their life during that time that you may not know. Talk to your loved one about their life before you. Ask them questions about where they went to school, how they decided on their career path, where they traveled, and how they spent their free time. Not only will you learn more about them and your family history, but you’ll likely learn valuable life lessons that you can incorporate into the way you live. 

Teach Each Other Something 

Everyone has expertise or passion for something. When talking to your loved one, find out what they’re an expert on and ask them to teach you something new. When you enjoy or know something well, it’s fun to share your knowledge with others, and it’s likely your loved one will be happy to educate you. 

Maybe you’re connecting with an aging grandfather who worked in an auto factory for 40 years, and he loves cars and motorcycles. Ask him about what makes a reliable car, or have him give you pointers for the next time you’re looking to make a purchase. Or possibly you’re caring for your mother, who started a coffee shop in town. Ask her what it was like to start a business and what she’s learned about entrepreneurship.  

Spend a day or two learning something from your loved one, then return the favor. Where is your expertise? Perhaps you’re a photographer who loves nature shots. Show your loved ones your favorite photos and give them pointers about what makes them so beautiful. Or maybe you’re a sales professional, and you explain what draws you to want to help companies sell their product. 

Plan an Activity Together

There’s no better way to bond with your loved ones than to spend quality time together. But instead of taking your loved ones out to lunch or inviting them to your home, include them in the process and plan an outing together. You can see a movie, play mini-golf, go for a mild hike, or visit a museum. Try to make your time together with a weekly or monthly occurrence if you can.  

Be Open and Honest About the Future 

Having difficult conversations is part of building a solid relationship with your loved ones. Don’t be afraid to ask your loved ones what they’re looking forward to in the future, but also what worries them. As your loved one gets older, they may need help around the house, financial assistance, or medical care. Ask questions to learn about the type of help they may need in the future, along with their thoughts on how they’d like to handle upcoming changes. Do they want to age at home? Are they at high risk for developing a severe health condition? Do they have funds set aside to finance their care?

If the time comes that your aging loved one needs assistance at home, the team at Visiting Angels is happy to help. Our professional and compassionate caregivers provide various nonmedical tasks to help seniors age safely at home. They can help with light housekeeping, cooking, mobility assistance, personal grooming, transportation, companionship, and more. Our Gulf Shores office serves Alabama Gulf Coast, including Gulf Shores and Orange Beach. If you’d like to learn more about our services, you can complete this online form or call us at 251.943.7525.