Christmas brings together families and important decisions
Christmas brings together families and important decisions
As we approach the end of another year many people will be looking forward to the festive season and the chance to slow down and catch up with family, particularly elderly parents. Busy lives and distant homes can make it easy to feel out of touch. Sadly, at this time of year adult children may also begin to notice changes in their ageing parents.
It’s distressing and worrying to accept that your parents who were once vital may soon need help to manage their day to day needs. Hard decisions may need to be made and many children and parents will need professional guidance to convert the mountain of data on aged care into meaningful and relevant information and ultimately into appropriate decisions.
It might be time for a family meeting
If you have elderly parents, this year’s planning should include family discussions to help parents plan ahead for the help they may need. A family meeting is often an essential step in planning for aged care and may help to minimise conflicts within your family. Emotional conflicts between family members can make the transition to care more distressing for an elderly parent and have the potential to rip families apart.
If you are in fact that elderly parent, Christmas time provides you an opportunity to discuss your care needs with your adult children. Make yourself heard. Have these discussions earlier whilst you are still able to maintain your control and independence, to anticipate how your need for care may increase. Christmas time might be one of the few opportunities during the busy year for discussions with all those people who are important to you.
If thought of this discussion fills you with dread, as an Accredited Aged Care Professional Kelly can assist with arranging and running a family meeting to help your family see the big picture more objectively. Kelly can provide a neutral voice in what can be an overwhelmingly emotional discussion, so you can consider the best options for your parents’ care/ your care, security and happiness.
The earlier you take this step, the better. Planning ahead ensures that parents are fully involved in the decision-making and removes some of the stress from other family members. With a well organised plan in place, your family can respond more quickly and effectively when an event requiring a move to aged care occurs.
If you have any questions please call Kelly on 07 5437 9900.