Asking your parents about their medical history can be uncomfortable, but it plays an important role in helping you assist them with everyday needs and knowing when to step in to manage more significant concerns. Knowing what your parent's wishes are for the future before reaching a point of needing to make a decision and being unable to ask them is also important. Here are several things to consider when planning essential conversations with your parents.
Choose an Appropriate Time
Discussing medical needs with your parents can be stressful for both you and your parents, which means that making the conversation as convenient as possible is a must. Avoid bringing up the subject when you know they are in a hurry, you are leaving their house soon, or one of you is particularly stressed about other problems. Instead, set aside plenty of time to work through an in-depth conversation without causing unnecessary friction.
Discuss Daily Activities
Many older adults begin to notice minor challenges going about their daily routine before needing more significant assistance with major health concerns. Even less significant mobility issues can make cleaning, preparing meals, bathing, and other aspects of independent living more difficult over time, especially if a parent lives alone.
Problems walking around a larger home, crouching, or managing stairs can make everyday life more challenging than it used to be, but you may be able to help parents make simple adjustments to their home or lifestyle that can make things easier before considering more significant options. Asking your parents where they are noticing problems can give you ideas for helping your parents downsize, organize, and consider mobility devices that can help them live in their own homes for as long as possible.
Address Current and Future Medical Needs
Learning as much as you can about your parents' health history plays an important role in helping them get the medical care they need, especially when they reach a point of needing assistance making important decisions or not being able to make their own medical decisions at all.
Asking your parents about both their own health history and any significant medical problems their parents or grandparents experienced can give you a better idea of what they may be more likely to develop. This can make it easier to be proactive about relevant screenings and potentially lead to more accurate diagnoses, both of which may influence how your parents respond to future treatment needs. Discussing current medical concerns can also help you more effectively assist your parents with staying on top of medication, appointments, specific nutritional needs, and other important areas.
Listen More Than You Talk
Making sure that your parents know that you are listening carefully to everything they have to say can be just as important as saying the right thing when handling any challenging conversation with compassion. You may have perfectly valid reasons for wanting information quickly, especially if you are concerned about your parents' current health, but it can be helpful to understand why they may not feel ready to share their personal information. Rather than insisting on more than they are ready to give the first time you approach the subject, make sure they know that you are hearing their concerns and are willing to do what you can to make sure their wishes are respected throughout the process.
At Senior Helpers of Milwaukee, we are here to help you and your parents in the Milwaukee, Glendale, Brookfield, and Germantown areas in a variety of ways. Contact Senior Helpers Milwaukee today to learn more!