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As people age, they begin having difficulties with everyday activities like cooking, cleaning, and dressing. They may not tend to bills or other important tasks. When seniors begin to have memory impairments, these tasks become even more difficult. But, how should families handle aging seniors who are in denial of their need for help? Keep reading for some tips on talking about memory care for loved ones who are in denial.
Aging seniors have been independent for many years. Their pride may not let them admit they can no longer care for themselves. Instead, they will hide pain, hardship, and complaints from family members.
Some individuals may be afraid they will no longer be able to enjoy the things in life they enjoyed in the past. They may be worried about suffering, pain, or the end of their life. Some seniors who need dementia care may even be depressed. They may withdraw from life and begin talking and smiling less.
When family members are trying to discuss moving loved ones into a memory care community, they should remember that it can be a process. If a conversation does not go well one day, loved ones should let it go and try again a different day. Make sure phones and other distractions are put away to help the elderly family member to concentrate on their present needs.
Family members should not focus on the past or the future too much. They should actively listen and convey their care for their aging parents. Consider beginning a conversation with observations and being honest about concerns. Offering an aging senior different options can help the process, too. Allow them to feel they have significant input in making any decisions.
Usually, one of the most important reasons families want to move their loved ones into nursing homes in Tacoma WA is for their safety. Explain to seniors that they can be safer and happier in a community that will care for them around the clock.
Aging parents who refuse to acknowledge they need help may require additional intervention. Families may need to hire an attorney to obtain guardianship if required.
Families often disagree about what kind of care their aging parents and loved ones need. Sometimes, there is a disagreement over the level of care. One sibling thinks that a parent is fine living on their own and another thinks they need to live in a community that provides memory care for seniors.
Often, these disagreements occur because family members live in different geographical regions and interact differently with the aging senior. Asking for a professional assessment by a neutral third party can help solve these kinds of disagreements. A primary care doctor can provide this evaluation because they know the senior’s medications and diagnoses. Senior care facilities can also perform an assessment.
Usually, there is one family member that provides the most care for aging adults. Sometimes this is the oldest sibling or the one who lives closest. This individual probably takes on the bulk of the caretaking responsibilities and is more likely to feel that the parent needs more help. Siblings who do not live locally should defer to the one who spends the most time with their parents.
In some situations, parents do not want to go into a senior living community. Because children love their parents, some want to support their parents in their wishes, while others feel that they must do what is best for their parents despite their wishes. Consider having preliminary conversations and visiting senior living options without parents present. Again, having an outside opinion can be helpful in this situation.
Senior communities can be expensive, and this can be a point of contention for many families. If there is an inheritance in play, some children don’t want to spend too much on aging parents’ living conditions. Money is the root cause of many family arguments, but care of the aging senior is the most important consideration. Many programs provide financial help. Families should also consider long-term care insurance.
It’s never too early to begin having a conversation to help aging seniors. Safety and well-being are of utmost importance, as is their quality of life. Getting all of the siblings on board is critical.
Pioneer Place Memory Haven in Tacoma, Washington, is a Christian residential home providing compassionate care for individuals with Alzheimer’s or other memory impairments. We provide a program that will partner with families to give kind, respectful care to aging adults.