Tips for communicating with elderly parents

Talking with an elderly parent about their needs, fears, and frustrations can go a long way in helping to care for them. Communication and understanding is key to helping them through the aging process. Allowing parents to do as much as they can for themselves, for as long as possible, helps them emotionally and may save the caretaker extra work.

When you talk with your elderly parents, even though some of the issues are serious, try to keep the tone of the conversation light. Ask what they want as they continue their journey through their later years. Let him or her talk about the experiences they've had that influenced the way they do things or want their lives to be. Listen more than you talk.

Discussing finances with them is critical. Respecting their wishes and decisions, as long as they are reasonable and safe, is important to their well being. As long as parents are mentally capable of making decisions, then they need to be included.

Teaching parents about not giving out financial information to solicitors on the phone or at the door, no matter how nice the person seems, is vitally important. Even if phone solicitors claim to represent a utility company or a reputable organization, it is important for elderly parents to know to not give credit card or other personal information to them.

Resources
 
1.  OnlineOrganizing.com offers tips on organization in an article, Caring for Elderly Parents by Ramona Creel.
 
2.  Elder Care
 
3.  GRAND!times.com
 
If your elderly parent feels cold – even in the middle of summer – it may have to do with poor blood circulation and lack of physical activity. It’s worth a check with his or her physician (if the condition has not already been checked out). A microwave heating pad from Maine Warmers helps relax stiff muscles, stimulates blood circulation, improves flexibility.. A Cozy Sheep or Black Bear provides comforting companionship along with nurturing warmth.