Dr. Loren Ekroth founded Better Conversations Week in 2002. It’s timed to coincide with Thanksgiving when many families gather for the day. This year, take time to have an open, non-judgmental conversation about your parents’ plans for aging.
As your family discusses your parents’ goals, don’t criticize or judge them. Instead, brainstorm the best ways to ensure they’re able to age their way. These four questions can get you started.
What Do They Do if Health Issues Arise?
Your parents may be the picture of health now, but there are no guarantees. A year from now, your dad may be diagnosed with high blood pressure and need medications. If he’s the type to forget to take them, he’s going to need someone to remind him.
If there are multiple health issues, you do need to discuss the proximity of doctors and hospitals. If something happened and your mom or dad needed an ambulance, how long would they wait?
What Are Their Medical Goals?
Filling out a living will or advanced directive isn’t fun, but it’s important. Your family needs to know if your mom and dad would want you or your siblings to offer personal care. Would they want life-saving measures like a feeding tube or respirator after a serious stroke or heart attack? Do they have a DNR in place?
Do They Have Family Histories to Consider?
Some health issues tend to run in families. Diabetes is one. If your dad’s brother, sister, and parents all had diabetes, there’s a higher chance he will as well. Preventative measures like getting enough exercise and eating a balanced diet are important.
If he needs help with meals or exercise routines, would he accept it? Is he more likely to accept the help of you or a professional senior care aide?
Is Downsizing Better Than Staying?
If your parents still live in the family home, they may have too much space. The four-bedroom Victorian was perfect when you were kids, but now it’s massive. The stairs to the basement, to the upstairs, and to the attic are too much for your mom after a hip surgery.
The windows and doors are older and let in chilly drafts in the winter. You’re certain those drafts drive up their heating bills. Isn’t it better in this situation to move them somewhere smaller?
This can be a touchy subject. It may be cost-effective to move to a smaller home, but there are other things to factor. Moving is a lot of work. Plus, it’s stressful. It can be better to insulate windows and doors. Move your parents’ bedroom to the main level to avoid the issue with stairs.
Senior care services help your parents age at home. It’s not just for adults with severely limited mobility or who are practically bedridden. The goal of senior care is to help adults remain independent in their home through helpful services like transportation, housekeeping, and companionship.
If you or an aging loved one is considering senior care in Billings, MT, please contact the caring staff at SYNERGY HomeCare Billings today at 406-839-2390.
