Steady On…
Things periodically fall apart with our aging parents no matter how hard we try to avoid conflict.
Stay calm and let these episodes have their moment and then pass on.
There’s no time to hold a grudge or prove who’s…
Getting Back On Track
It’s easy to get off track with aging parents. Complicated decisions, intense conversations and setbacks on issues that you thought were taken care of are just a few of the “uncouplers” that come with caregiving. The good news is that…
When the Bottom Falls Out
Long term care planning is another “hot spot” for aging parents. Attempts by family members to pressure, warn, or scare an older adults into planning decisions usually fail. That’s why we created the When The Bottom Falls Out Mind Map.…
Find The Path…
There are three critical aspects to building a partnership with aging parents:Conversation, Collaboration and Accommodation.
1. You have to find a voice that “resonates” with their need to be acknowledged as well as preserve some semblance of dignity amid the…
Avoid Ultimatums
The best way to make sure nothing changes in conversations with aging parents is to give them an ultimatum. It’s good for about 10 seconds of “take charge” pride followed by the long tail of days wishing you had tried…
How to Communicate with Aging Parents about Money
Older adults have a deep resistance to having conversations with their adult children about money. Why? It arises from three psychological factors that coalesce in last phase of life to create resistive barriers to open discussions about financial issues. These…
Having Hard Conversations with Seniors
Full Article by Holly Liebowitz Rossi in Guidepost here
(Excerpts from article)
Choose the Right Time, Place, and Posture
Avoid stressful, noisy places for difficult conversations, Solie advises. Regardless of where your conversation takes place, your body language matters immensely.…
The Secrets of Aging Parents
Adult children are frustrated by their aging parent’s unwillingness to share important information about their plans, health or finances. The withholding weakens the caregiving partnership and sets everyone up for poor outcomes. So why are they so secretive at the…
The Art of Holding Space…
Heather Plett’s insightful and moving article on holding space, What is means to “hold space” for people, plus eight tips on how to do it well, is a primer on the dance of compassion for those who are leaving as…
No Longer Safe To Drive
At some point it becomes painfully obvious. Maybe it’s the near misses, another fender bender, traffic tickets, getting lost on errands, poor night vision, or increasing confusion. Whatever the mix of warning signs, the message is clear and deeply concerning.…