Aging might be an inevitable part of life, but that doesn’t make it any easier to deal with the realities of what this can mean. While many senior citizens can still live independently and happily, many members of this community also need help. This might be due to a decline in their physical abilities, mental health, or a combination of these two things. They might also find that they feel lonely and isolated in their later years, particularly if they currently live alone. In these circumstances, it might be a good idea to start considering care options and which path is the most suitable for the situation. If you do have an elderly parent whom you believe needs care, but you’re not sure how to have this conversation with your siblings, here are some tips that could help you approach this subject.
Find a Suitable Time and Place to Meet
This is an important issue to discuss, and this is why you need to ensure that everyone is engaged in the conversation and thinking properly about the best options. Try to arrange a meeting where everyone is comfortable and at a time when there will be minimal distractions. You might also want to think about whether or not your siblings might be dealing with other stressors in their lives at this time and find a way to have this discussion without adding to this pressure for them.
Make Sure Everyone’s Opinions are Heard
You should also make sure that everyone gets an opportunity to have their say and that these conversations remain respectful. It might cause some tension if you and another sibling have conflicting views on care for your parent, but if you are going to find a resolution, you need to work together, not against one another. You should also ask your parent what they want to do if they can tell you, as they deserve to have their say in what care they receive as well. For example, would they prefer to get a carer to visit them in their home, or would they be happy to move into a facility like these signature care homes?
Consider Everyone’s Financial Position
Any kind of elderly care will come at a price, and talking about money can be another difficult topic to cover. It is important to be honest with each other about your financial positions, as some of your siblings might be more desirable than others. This doesn’t mean that the responsibility of paying for care should fall to the individual in the best financial health, but you might be able to find a way to share these costs that can work for everyone.
It can be difficult to see your parent start to struggle and need help, and discussing care options with your siblings isn’t always the easiest subject. Nonetheless, getting your parent the right support is important, so if you are anxious about bringing up the subject, consider these tips and see if they can help make this discussion a bit easier for everyone.