Discussing Sensitive Matters With Elders

By Author: Michael Vaughan
Total Articles: 29
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If you are providing care for a parent or grandparent, you may feel awkward bringing up certain issues. This feeling is normal and expected. Still, discussing these issues is necessary in order to ensure that your patient or loved one is kept safe and is receiving the best possible care.
When initiating a conversation that may make the senior citizen uncomfortable, try a non-threatening approach. Begin by saying, A lot of people your age experience Or, you could start by offering an informative brochure on the subject. Doctors and other health care providers may also be able to help you break the ice and create a stigma-free context for discussing the issue.
Though you may feel awkward discussing these subjects, it is necessary. Nothing is more important than your elder's care and comfort. Below, we share a few topics that are important but sometimes difficult to discuss with senior citizens:

Driving safety. This topic can be touchy because driving is associated with independence. It may be helpful to begin by mentioning that age can lead to impaired vision ...
... and slower reaction times. Ask the senior citizen if they have experienced any car accidents. Also, discuss medications the senior citizen is taking since certain drugs can induce fatigue or impair judgment. Suggest alternatives to driving, such as using public transportation.
Long-term care. This type of elder care can employ home health services, adult day care, and nursing home care. This topic may be sensitive because it can be difficult to discuss approaching declines in capabilities and health. Also, the idea of leaving the familiarity and comfort of one's home can be stressful. Still, it is important to create a long-term care plan. Brainstorm possible future needs as well as how and from whom the senior would like these needs to be met. Talking with your patient or loved one can help you find a suitable outcome.
Advance care directives and end-of-life care. This can be thought of as a living will or what the person would want to happen if they did not have the capacity to direct their own care in the future. It is very hard to raise this issue since it may be frightening for the senior citizen to think about. Still, it is very important to talk about what the senior would want in the event that he or she were to become ill.
The thought of discussing these subjects may worry you, especially when you think about how your elders will feel when you bring up these topics. Remember that sometimes we have to go against our wills and do some things that may hurt, but, after all, they are for the wellbeing of our elders. Try to discuss these things with your patient in a dialogue rather than imposing a one-sided decision on him or her. This method will allow you to demonstrate that you respect your patient and his or her feelings while still leaving room for a responsible decision. Talking about and discussing such crucial subjects is a vital part of providing care. For more information regarding elder care, visit www.TheCaringSpace.com.