You will build your life, begin your career, and start your own family as an adult, just like your parent did before you were born. As your parent gets older, you might discover that they no longer seem invincible when you compare with what you remember as a child. Your duties will begin to pile up, especially as you recognize they will require your assistance in their golden years. It is only natural to gather your siblings and get them to pitch in to handle the situation. However, it is not a simple journey. Follow these steps to get the most out of your conversation with them and to best accommodate your parent’s health care needs.
Plan Meetings
Before finalizing any decisions, it is best to schedule enough meetings to discuss the solutions that are available for the family. Make sure not to catch your siblings off guard by bringing up the subject unexpectedly and pressuring them to assist without giving them a say in the matter. Instead, arrange a time and place when everyone may meet in person. This allows those who live outside the state to make necessary travel arrangements ahead of time. If possible, try to have the meeting close to where your parent lives so that your siblings can see for themselves the current state of their well-being. This presents a good reason why your parents require greater care.
Prepare Documentations
If you are most familiar with your parent’s issues, be prepared for any questions or opposition from your siblings. Younger siblings may refuse to acknowledge the reality of their parent’s aging, while others may refuse to believe the gravity of the issue. This is when having documentation to back up your request comes in handy. You should share hospitalization records, medical treatment reports, and accounts from people close to your parent, during the discussion if you have them. When such objective evidence is presented, it will be difficult to deny the need for aid.
Listen to Everyone’s Thoughts
Just as you were taken aback when you learned of your parent’s condition for the first time, your siblings should be as well. Allow them time to process the information. When everyone is ready to continue the conversation, pay attention to their ideas and thoughts on the subject. Make sure not to interrupt them until they have completed speaking, regardless of what they wish to say. If they offer to help relieve some of the responsibilities, you should put together a plan that your family can agree to follow. While you may not necessarily agree with their opinions, be sure to be respectful.
Involve a Mediator
Sometimes, your siblings might not want to cooperate and reach an agreement with you. This is when an elder care mediator can come in to help. They will usually listen to all sides and ensure that everyone has an opportunity to speak. They also prevent siblings from playing any power battles and lessen the childish bickering that can transpire during the discussion. Most importantly, they keep everyone focused on finding the best solution for both the parent and the children. Perhaps senior living might be the best choice for your whole family, and one way is to research some retirement communities like Discovery Commons Cypress Point.
