How do I have an effective Care Conversation?
We understand that having the care conversation with your loved ones can be difficult, that is why we have created our 'Care Conversations' guides.
We understand that having the ‘Care Conversation’ with your loved ones can be daunting and uncomfortable. However, we are here to try and make it as easy and stress-free as we possibly can. Whether you are aware of your loved one’s wishes in relation to care or not, we have tailor-made resources that can help you prompt the ‘Care Conversation’ with your loved ones and hopefully make it as smooth as possible.
From the best times and locations to prompt the conversations to making a game out of the conversation, we have a range of resources to help you in this journey.
What is the nation's view on the 'Care Conversation'?
We did some research on over 1,500 and found people’s views on having a ‘Care Conversation’ with their parents and the results were staggering.
Despite a third of the surveyed stating they were concerned for their parent’s physical health, 81% were reluctant to speak to their parents about care.
Regarding these statistics, one of our directors, Gavin said, “There is a real paradox in our research findings. People are worried about their parents’ health and what will happen to them when they need some additional support or are unable to properly look after themselves. Social taboos and a fear of upsetting their ageing parents mean that the important care conversation doesn’t happen.”
This is why we want to help, so let us explore the best ways to go about the ‘Care Conversation’ with your loved ones.
How to talk about care with your loved ones
Nobody wants to have the conversation. The one where you talk to your elderly parents – the people who brought you up and looked after you as a child – about their growing need for support in their home. The idea that they may have to leave their home to live in an assisted living facility or care home is even more difficult to deal with. However, the time may come when it is necessary, and you have to work out how to talk to your parents – or other elderly loved ones – about care. You cannot force them to do anything they don’t want to do. Still, you know that they need additional support to retain their high quality of life, and may struggle with managing their health or their home without some help. It may be dangerous for your parents or relative not to have care support if they are at risk of falls, or are unable to cook food for themselves any more. And you are in a position where you need to communicate with them about that.
Let’s explore the 4 simple tips to help begin the Care Conversation with your loved ones…