Bringing Up the Subject of Elderly In Home Care in Vancouver, WA

Name: Comfort Keepers Home Care
Address: 2115 E 27th St, Vancouver, Washington, 98661
Telephone: (360) 334-3974

We understand there are many factors to consider while providing elderly in home care in Vancouver, WA and the surrounding area

Planning for elderly in home care is rarely discussed, or at least not as early as it should be. Allow Comfort Keepers to provide advice for getting through the awkwardness that stands in the way of adult children and parents having these necessary conversations. The best suggestion is to prepare thoroughly and think these talks through, so they go as smoothly and fruitfully as possible. Get everything down on paper that you think should be covered in the meeting. Also, instead of seeing this momentous chance as "The Conversation," think of it as the first in a series of talks. Instead of trying to fix everything at once, focus on fixing the specific problems that have arisen. Remember, we’re here for you in Vancouver, WA: (360) 334-3974.

Our best advice

Here are some more suggestions for how to introduce the topic of home care for the elderly:

Start soon while your parents are still in good health and able to communicate their wishes, needs, and priorities. If they don't, an untimely occurrence could force them to make choices that don't take their preferences into account.
Pick a time and a place that works well for everyone involved. Put off seeing your loved ones on a holiday. Pick a moment when you won't be rushed or interrupted and give your parents as much time as they need to express their desires.
Involve other family members but get together first to make sure everyone is on the same page before confronting the parents and their lives in the Vancouver area.
Make it comfortable for your parents by showing that you care about them and want to know how you may assist them. Tell them you want to put their ideas down on paper so that they may be followed. Asking if there are any tasks they would like you or someone else to help with to lighten their load is another way to ease into a conversation about long-term planning.
Maintain effective channels of dialogue. Keep making eye contact and get near to your parents without crowding them. When you're in close quarters with someone, you may gain their trust and project your message clearly and confidently.
Talk about your own plans for retirement or estate administration as a segue into asking your parents about their own hopes and fears for the future. A medical issue involving a friend or family member is another possible conversation starter.
Inquire about paperwork and files. Find out where your parents keep their insurance policies, wills, trust documents, investment and banking records, tax returns, living wills, and durable powers of attorney by inquiring about these items. Make it clear that you intend to be there for them whenever they need you. This might also be used to learn what preparations they have undertaken and what steps remain.
Encourage your parents to talk about their emotions by asking them open-ended questions. Then, just listen intently to find out what really matters to them.
Don't suggest; give choices. Ask questions and suggest multiple workable answers. Get your parents' opinion on the matter. This gives individuals a voice in the choices made about their care as they age and promotes their autonomy.
Use polite language. Take an active role in the conversation with your parents. Give them time to talk, and acknowledge their right to, and desire for, autonomy in their lives. It's best not to have a conversation with your parent acting as the child and you as the parent.
Simple is best. Remember that it's impossible to fix every problem at once. The purpose of this meeting is to begin an open and frank discussion regarding your parents' future to facilitate decision-making in accordance with their wants and needs.
Bring a third party if your parents are resistant to have this conversation with you. This person might be more receptive to advice from someone they look up to who is also unbiased.

Let seniors start the discussion

Do not wait for your children to bring up the subject of elderly in home care if you are a senior who is looking ahead and wants to plan. Many adult children avoid starting conversations about their parents' aging because they find the topic unpleasant.

Do something about it. Get in touch with a doctor if you find yourself struggling with things like taking a shower, driving, or handling your finances here in Vancouver. Talk to your loved ones about it and solicit their input and help.
Tell your loved ones what you like and don't like. Do you want to stay in your home but require some support from a caregiver to get things done? Or, if you're finding it tough to make healthy meals on your own, how about we deliver them to your door, or we come to your house and make them for you?
Find out what kinds of assistance are offered for people of your age. Healthcare professionals such as physicians, social workers, elder care providers, geriatric care managers, and others can advise you, and your community's Area Agency on Aging or Council on Aging can provide information about local home care services.

We’re here for you in Vancouver, WA and the surrounding area

Clear, respectful, and encouraging communication is essential in these situations, regardless of who you are talking to. This will aid in making sure the seniors receiving elderly in home care have everything they need to live a secure, fulfilling life in their own homes. Please contact our Vancouver, WA office if you have any questions or would want to proceed with this: (360) 334-3974.