Elderly Care in Lighthouse Point FL
Being a family caregiver can be one of the most rewarding experiences you can have with your elderly parent. With all of the wonderful benefits, including spending extra quality time with them and having the knowledge that you can control their care and ensure that they are getting the quality of life that they deserve, however, sometimes comes challenging situations as well. These challenging situations bring with them the need to have difficult conversations with your aging parent. While these topics may be some of the most uncomfortable you will ever have, it is essential that you go into them with confidence so that you can get the most benefit from them.
Use these tips to help you handle difficult conversations with your aging parent:
- Know the issue. It seems simplistic, but before you start a conversation with your parent it is important that you know what it is that you want to talk about. Some of these conversations are multi-faceted, meaning they may actually encompass several different smaller topics. Try to narrow down these conversations into smaller topics so that you can focus in on them and ensure they are discussed in as much detail as necessary. This also helps prevent you or your aging loved one from getting distracted and going into other topics.
- Know what you want to say. As much as you should know what you wish to discuss with your parent, you should also know your thoughts on the matter. Even if you need input from your parent or are not completely clear on all aspects of the topic, you should not go into these conversations without any direction. If you need to, write down your major points so that you can structure the conversation around them. Even as you allow the conversation to unfold, you can come back to these points to ensure you discuss everything that you need to.
- Give them time. Remember that this is a discussion, not a lecture. Give your parent plenty of time to discuss their side of the situation. Even if they do not share your opinions or the talk becomes emotional, it is important that you allow them to express themselves and that you show them they respect that they deserve throughout the entire conversation. Acknowledge what they say to you and structure your responses with what they said in mind. This will make them feel heard and appreciated, making them more open and willing to communicate.
- Keep it calm. These difficult conversations can be extremely emotional. Whether you are discussing the need for your loved one to begin elderly care or you want to start recording end of life wishes, your parent might get upset. Do not try to “match” this emotion or allow your own emotions to get carried away. Instead, stay calm and collected, and encourage your loved one throughout the conversation to do the same. This will be a much more effective and beneficial means of communicating, and allow you to get through the topic at hand with as little stress as possible.
If you or a family member are in need of elderly care in Lighthouse Point, FL, call the caring professionals at Star Multi Care today at (954) 870-4770. Providing service in Boca Raton, West Palm Beach, Delray Beach, Boynton Beach, Weston, Southwest Ranches, Pembroke Pines, Cooper City, Lighthouse Point, and Wilton Manors.
CEO at Star Multi Care Services
With over 35 years of experience, Stephen Sternbach has been the Chairman of the Board of Directors, President, and Chief Executive Officer of Star Multi Care Services since 1987. After the sale of the New York and New Jersey operations of Star Multi Care Services, Sternbach brought the company private where he remains President and CEO of this 40-million dollar company. With Sternbach at the helm, Star Multi Care Services employs more than 650 employees, in six offices throughout Florida, Pennsylvania, Ohio and New York.
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