Obstacles can be much bigger than they appear when you and your senior are trying to talk situations out. Some of those obstacles are ones that you might have to find another way around, while others are issues that others might be able to help you manage.

She Doesn’t Want to Talk

You might find that it’s tough to get your senior to talk about important issues at all. She might be in denial or she might just not feel ready to talk about what’s going on. Regardless, if she doesn’t want to talk, you probably won’t be able to force her.

You Don’t Know What to Say or How to Say It

On the other hand, you may not know just what you want to say or how to get the conversation started. Talking about some of the issues around aging is not easy at all, especially when end-of-life concerns are a part of that discussion. It’s always a good plan to speak from your heart with compassion and empathy for your senior’s situation.

Your Prior Roles Are Tough to Get Over

Chances are that your senior family member had some role in your upbringing, whether she is your parent or another family member. As her caregiver, those roles reverse a bit and it can be difficult for both you and your aging adult to manage. It can help to take a step back and reassess the situation from your current role rather than your previous one.

You’re Physically Distant from Each Other

As a long-distance caregiver you might find yourself at even more of a disadvantage. Having eyes on the scene can help a lot. Senior care providers can be those eyes and hands that fill in when you’re not there. They can also help you to fill in some of the blanks that you’re not getting from conversation with your aging family member.

One or Both of You Are Afraid

This can be scary stuff, talking about aging and mortality concerns. It’s not unusual at all for both you and your elderly family member to feel a great deal of fear around even attempting these talks. Taking a deep breath and trying to power through can be helpful.

It’s not always easy to solve these dilemmas, but you can do it with patience and compassion. If your elderly family member gets upset easily when you try to talk about important issues, regroup and try again later.

If you are considering senior care in Huddleston, VA for an aging loved one, please talk to the caring staff at Acti-Kare of Blue Ridge. Call 888-451-5273. Our office provides senior care and home care services in the following locations including Blue Ridge, Lynchburg, Salem, Roanoke, Smith Mountain Lake, and Bedford in Virginia.