VISITING ANGELS PRINCE WILLIAM COUNTY, VA 703-530-8811
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Tips for Hard Conversations with Your Aging Loved One

The time has come to confront the reality that something has to change. You’ve observed that your aging loved one is no longer able to do what she used to, and now a significant change needs to happen. Whether it’s downsizing from a lifelong home, re-assessing the safety of a driver’s license, hiring an in-home caregiver, or end-of-life planning, a hard conversation between you and your loved one is inevitable. This conversation will cover new and unchartered territory. Here are some tips to keep in mind when preparing for this diffucult conversation. Tips for Hard Conversations with Your Aging Loved One

Don’t Wait

Although it will be a conversation likely filled with emotion and fear, don’t wait. Get an early start with tackling the essential topics, so the discussion does not occur when there is an emergency circumstance. If your aging loved one is calm and relaxed, she can better process and communicate her feelings about changes that need to occur.

Prepare in Advance

Not everybody feels comfortable to start a delicate conversation. There are tools available to guide us along the way, including this video tutorial by AARP called “Starting the Conversation.” Also, researching the next step ahead of the conversation can help bring specifics to the table about what could potentially happen soon.

Listen Patiently

Many family caregivers seek to intervene and “fix” a situation for their loved one. However, our loved ones want to feel heard first. In our haste to make everything right, we may forget to listen patiently to what our aging loved one wishes for and then act accordingly. We need to set our agenda aside and ensure we have allowed our loved one to express her thoughts and feelings without interruption.

Follow Their Lead

Our loved one may only be able to discuss specific topics in short bursts. Watch for signs that she may be trying to change the subject or need to table the matter for the moment. She may require time to process information and then revisit for further discussion at a later date.

Enlist Professional Help if Needed

A family caregiver may benefit from enlisting professional help when addressing difficult topics. A social worker or psychologist can coach the caregiver through how to approach these sensitive topics to ensure discussions start on a positive note. The Office for Aging Services of the Division for Community Living offers Virginia residents resources available in the state.

Visiting Angels Manassas is the premier in-home senior care company in Prince William County, also covering Gainesville, Dumfries, Woodbridge, Catharpin, Haymarket, Bristow, and surrounding areas. We understand how delicate these conversations can be and want to assist with making the transition to in-home care services as smooth as possible. Let us support you in your quest to keep your parent aging-in-place within the comfort of her home. Call us today at 703-530-8811 or contact us online to learn more.

Serving Prince William and Western Fairfax Counties including Fort Belvoir and Lorton

Visiting Angels PRINCE WILLIAM COUNTY, VA
9161 Liberia Ave # 205
Manassas, VA 20110
Phone: 703-530-8811
Fax: 703-656-4769

Serving Prince William and Western Fairfax Counties including Fort Belvoir and Lorton

Visiting Angels PRINCE WILLIAM COUNTY, VA
9161 Liberia Ave # 205
Manassas, VA 20110
Phone: 703-530-8811
Fax: 703-656-4769