Holidays With Aging Parents: How to Bring Up Concerns
Many people see their aging parents only during the holidays. As we talked about yesterday, this time of year is an opportunity not just for visiting but for making sure all is well. But if you see problems, how do you bring them up?
At nctimes.com, the website for the California newspaper North County Times, freelance columnist Agnes Hermann gives advice on this topic as one of “we elderly folk.” Above all, don’t start with “accusations and reprimands.”
That will ensure anger, defensiveness, and worse, rejection and more denial. I am not the only one who is proud of my independence and treasure it. Do not tell me that I cannot take care of myself. True or false, we believe that we can.
You can read her full post here: “Sometimes It’s Time for Discussion.” Here are some related posts from OurParents:
- “Talking Tips: Insight Into How Your Aging Parents Feel”
- “Senior-Care Conversation Starters: Talking to Your Aging Parents”
- “I Don’t Need Any Help: Introducing Home Care to Resistant Parents”
If your aging parent needs help around the house, you might find this primer on home care helpful as well.
Merry Christmas Eve. May you and yours have a happy, healthy and fun end of the year.
If you have any questions about this post or need help finding senior-care options for a loved one, call 1-866-483-4896 to speak with a care advisor in your area.
I really enjoyed these articles. My mother-in-law is starting to show “the signs”. Her children are in the denied stage. So It has been like walking on eggs. But this has really helped. Thank you
I’m so glad it helped, Debra. Good luck balancing on those eggshells.
Leigh Ann Otte
Blogger, OurParents