When it comes to thinking about an aging loved one’s future, it’s not always an easy conversation to have, is it? The fact is that when it comes to working out how to ensure that an older relative gets access to the best care possible, there’s a lot that you need to think about, isn’t there?
It’s not just thinking about it either, it’s also talking about it that needs to be taken into account. Talking about getting a little help isn’t always something that older adults feel comfortable with, particularly extremely independent adults. The fact that things are changing and they may need a little extra help from time to time may not be something that your loved ones are happy to think about.
However, the fact is that it’s important to take the time to think about this key topic, as we all need a little extra help as we get older. There’s no shame in needing a helping hand. The question is, of course: how do you work out what kind of support your loved ones may need?
To help you to do that, the guide below is packed full of useful tips, ideas and pieces of advice for helping your older relatives to find the right level of support for them.
Talk openly and honestly
The first step that you need to take is to have an open and honest conversation about your loved one’s changing needs. It might be that your parent or grandparent has recently got to an age where you assume that they will need a little help, when actually that isn’t the case at all. Talking openly and honestly with them can help you to better understand where they are in regards to needing a helping hand. Being able to talk frankly can also allow them to understand where you are coming from and where your concerns are rooted from.
Look at the options
The next step is to discuss the options together. There’s not just one option when it comes to getting some extra help, there are lots of choices to consider, from your loved one considering moving into luxury retirement living to getting some support at home. There are a wide range of options available, each of which is designed to meet a different need, from full-time live in care to daily drop-in care to help with a number of key tasks. There’s not just one option to choose from – there are plenty.
Make a decision together
The most important thing when it comes to determining what should happen in terms of support for an aging loved one is to make the decision together. Sit down and discuss each option and find the one that’s the best fit for your relative’s needs. Think about the support that they need now, as well as the support that they may need in the future.
Opting to have a little help on hand does not have to mean that your loved one loses their independence, it’s just a case of finding the right level of support to meet their changing needs.