Your parent’s golden years can be a beautiful time of life, but it can also be a time of great stress and uncertainty.
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This article will explore five key conversations that will help you get everything out in the open and set a strong foundation for you and your loved ones.
Tips on how to approach these conversations:
- Have these conversations sooner. The sooner you have these conversations, the sooner you can tick the boxes on the questions that keep you up at night.
- Have respect. While you have their highest interests at heart, be sure to actively listen to what they want. Don’t make decisions on their behalf.
- Set aside a specific time to talk. Make a time when you can give each other the necessary attention. Don’t do it at a birthday party when they’d rather be celebrating and enjoying your company instead of squeezing in figures in between cuddles with the grandkids.
Conversation No.1
Needs, Desires and Goals
Your parents have worked hard all their lives and deserve to be comfortable, happy and fulfilled. We often forget that they still have dreams and desires. Take a moment to discuss the vision they have for their future.
What dreams do they have that they would love to achieve? What are the key needs they need fulfilled in order to live a comfortable, fulfilled life?
Conversation No.2
Living Arrangements
Where do they see themselves living in the coming years? Do they want to remain in their house for as long as possible? If so, have you looked at Home Care Solutions? Have they gone to visit any other options and do you know the financial requirements and if there’s a waiting list?
Conversation No.3
Important Documents
Do you know where they keep their important documents? Do you have backups copies of them?
Some of these documents might include:
- Important Certificates (Passport, Births, Deaths, Marriage, Drivers Licence, Medicare)
- Medical Documents (Who are their doctors and specialists? What medications are they taking and dosage? Allergies?)
- Insurance (Life, Health, Medical, House and Contents, Funeral)
- Bills (What are their regular bills?)
- Financial (Bank Accounts, Super, Pension, Business Agreements, Partnerships, Mortgage, House or Land Titles)
Conversation No.4
Important Names and Phone Numbers
Do you have a list of the key people in their life in one place, so you can contact them if needed (family, friends, doctors, specialists, chemists, lawyer, solicitor, insurance providers, landlords, etc)?
Conversation No.5
Day to Day Living
How are they coping with everyday activities?
Do they need a little help around the home? With their medication? Dressing and grooming?
Have you looked at Home Care packages that would allow them to get some extra help, while maintaining their independence?
These questions will help you get many of the key issues organised so you can all relax knowing that everything is in order.
And that if there’s any emergency, you’ll be prepared.
To get a handy infographic of the 7 Crucial Conversation to Have With Ageing Parents or Loved Ones, simply send an email to info@SueMann.com.au and they will send it straight out to you.
For further help with In-home Aged Care Services and learning how your parents can remain independent in their own home for longer, while receiving the care they need, feel free to call Sue Mann Nursing and Community Care.
They have more than 30 years of experience helping improve the quality of life of the elderly.
From the Hunter, to the Central Coast and Upper Sydney Sue Mann Nursing can help bring more security, mobility and independence to your life.
Call them today on 1300 241 300.
Disclaimer: Please note that nothing here should be construed as medical or legal advice and that we recommend you always check with the correct professionals.