As your parents age, they may not be able to take care of daily tasks as they once did. If independent living has become more challenging for them, they may benefit from regular elder care. Since this can be a difficult conversation to have, use this guide to help you approach the topic.

How to Talk About Elder Care With Your Parents

1. Address Their Desires

Centering the conversation on what you think your parents need can come across as confrontational. Instead, ask them what they would like help with. They may want assistance with running errands since grocery bags can get heavy, or they may miss the ability to create a home-cooked meal. Listening to their challenges will guide your conversation so that you can bring up how an in-home helper can better address these needs than family members.

2. Focus on the Positives

Some aging individuals are wary of elder care because they think it means others feel they can no longer look after themselves. Refocus the conversation so that it highlights the service’s unique benefits, like giving them the ability to stay in their own house or that it’s cheaper than a nursing home.

3. Create the Right Environment

Since discussing elder care can be challenging, have the talk in a comfortable, familiar location, like the living or dining room. Turn off the TV and other distractions that may take the focus from the conversation. Be informative but speak gently, so your parent knows your intentions are coming from a place of love. Help them feel part of the discussion by asking for their thoughts and opinions.

If your senior parent is ready for elder care, contact the team at Compass Homecare in Anchorage, AK. These professionals have helped aging adults enjoy their golden years since 1980. They can handle the cooking, laundry, pet care, and cleaning for your parents, allowing the comfort to focus on activities they love. For more information about how they can help, visit the website or call (907) 276-6960.