One of the scariest calls you can receive is a call that your mom or dad has fallen at their home and are in the hospital. You rush to the ER, thinking the worst.
If you haven’t experienced an emergency call about the health of your aging parents, it ranks up there with one of your top worries–and maybe nightmares!
It might be time to have the conversation–the one everyone dreads. The “you’re getting old and need help” conversation.
TIPS TO TALKING TO SENIORS ABOUT ACCEPTING HELP
There’s something in all of us that doesn’t want to get old. Maybe it’s the fear of dying. The fear of the unknown. The fear of not being able to do what we used to be able to do.
Some of us don’t want to admit we need help. We want to be able to do everything by ourselves always.
Yet, humans were created to be together, to help each other, and to take care of each other. And we push against that–sometimes to our own detriment.
Convincing someone they need help is not easy, but it’s necessary–and possibly the best thing you can do for them.
- Approach the talk out of love and caring. Let the person know you have their best interests at heart. You’re not in this to take freedoms away from them. All you want is what’s best and safest in this case for them. Open your heart in the talk at the beginning and the conversation will go much better.
- Be prepared for push back. Go in with a list of the reasons this step is necessary. This is an exercise in persuasion.
- Don’t take it personally. You might be yelled at or attacked or your motives questioned–especially in the beginning. Know in your heart your loved one is not mad at you. He or she is mad at the aging process and what it’s doing to them–not you.
- Expect to have more than one conversation. Requiring help is a major life change. Admitting and accepting it is another big step for aging parents. However, don’t let the conversation drop because you are uncomfortable. Yes, this is a role reversal–you caring for your parents–but stick with it. You owe them that much.
- In the end, it’s their decision. Be respectful and don’t force the issue. You’re job as their child is to take care of them and love them. No matter what your parents decide, support them and be there for them. You’ve planted the seed, and you’re only a phone call away when they need you. That is ultimately what matters.
Sansbury Medical Stairlifts is passionate about helping seniors continue to live an active lifestyle as they grow older. We offer both curved stairlifts and straight stairlifts for navigating stairwells as well as vertical lifts for stair entryways, garages, decks, patios, and other hard to reach places.
Sansbury Medical Stairlifts supports seniors aging gracefully. Whether you’re a concerned family member or a senior interested in our products, Sansbury Medical Stairlifts offers free in-home consultations in Staten Island, New York, and surrounding areas. Contact us and make an appointment today!
