When you begin to notice a decline in an elderly relative’s ability to take care of their own life and body, you may wonder what to do next.
Talking to them about moving into a personal care home or a nursing home is often intimidating at first. By following a few tips, you can reduce the amount of stress you both feel about this topic.
Try subtlety at first
According to Kiplinger, if you worry about your relative reacting poorly to your suggestion, you may want to start off slow. Ask them honest and polite questions about how they live without making any statements about your opinions right away.
You may learn important details about how they function and how much help they need.
Know when to stop
When you start to notice signs that your loved one is not responding well to the conversation, feel free to back off the topic. Bringing it up again later on may help give them time and space to think about the possibility, especially if it is the first time you have ever bought it up.
Starting these conversations with your relative before they really need the help can allow them to get used to the idea.
Give them information
Being direct about how much they would pay each month or what cost it could be will help your loved one make the best choice for them. Sharing brochures or pamphlets containing information about nursing homes may also let them think deeply about what they want from one.
Talking about a sensitive subject like nursing care can seem scary at first, but it does not have to be if you focus on what is best for your relative.