| If you are providing care for a parent or | | | | can be difficult to discuss approaching declines in |
| grandparent, you may feel awkward bringing up | | | | capabilities and health. Also, the idea of leaving the |
| certain issues. This feeling is normal and expected. | | | | familiarity and comfort of one's home can be |
| Still, discussing these issues is necessary in order to | | | | stressful. Still, it is important to create a long-term |
| ensure that your patient or loved one is kept safe | | | | care plan. Brainstorm possible future needs as well as |
| and is receiving the best possible care. | | | | how and from whom the senior would like these |
| When initiating a conversation that may make the | | | | needs to be met. Talking with your patient or loved |
| senior citizen uncomfortable, try a non-threatening | | | | one can help you find a suitable outcome. |
| approach. Begin by saying, "A lot of people your age | | | | - Advance care directives and end-of-life care. This |
| experience…" Or, you could start by offering an | | | | can be thought of as a "living will" or what the person |
| informative brochure on the subject. Doctors and | | | | would want to happen if they did not have the |
| other health care providers may also be able to help | | | | capacity to direct their own care in the future. It is |
| you break the ice and create a stigma-free context | | | | very hard to raise this issue since it may be |
| for discussing the issue. | | | | frightening for the senior citizen to think about. Still, it |
| Though you may feel awkward discussing these | | | | is very important to talk about what the senior |
| subjects, it is necessary. Nothing is more important | | | | would want in the event that he or she were to |
| than your elder's care and comfort. Below, we share | | | | become ill. |
| a few topics that are important but sometimes | | | | The thought of discussing these subjects may worry |
| difficult to discuss with senior citizens: | | | | you, especially when you think about how your |
| - Driving safety. This topic can be touchy because | | | | elders will feel when you bring up these topics. |
| driving is associated with independence. It may be | | | | Remember that sometimes we have to go against |
| helpful to begin by mentioning that age can lead to | | | | our wills and do some things that may hurt, but, after |
| impaired vision and slower reaction times. Ask the | | | | all, they are for the wellbeing of our elders. Try to |
| senior citizen if they have experienced any car | | | | discuss these things with your patient in a dialogue |
| accidents. Also, discuss medications the senior citizen | | | | rather than imposing a one-sided decision on him or |
| is taking since certain drugs can induce fatigue or | | | | her. This method will allow you to demonstrate that |
| impair judgment. Suggest alternatives to driving, such | | | | you respect your patient and his or her feelings while |
| as using public transportation. | | | | still leaving room for a responsible decision. Talking |
| - Long-term care. This type of elder care can employ | | | | about and discussing such crucial subjects is a vital |
| home health services, adult day care, and nursing | | | | part of providing care. |
| home care. This topic may be sensitive because it | | | | |