Aging is a sensitive topic for many elderly persons in New York. As such, you may wonder how to start a discussion with your parents without coming across as insensitive or disrespectful.
Putting thought into your approach can facilitate a more positive experience for everyone. With an adequate plan in place, you and your parents can have peace of mind going into the future.
Discuss current events
While everyone can benefit from proactive planning, preferences for long-term care options may change with time. According to the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, National Institute on Aging, your parents may not need to activate their long-term care plan unless they develop a chronic illness or disability, or as their health begins to decline.
Even just a brief search of the web will produce several current articles about topics including retirement planning and long-term care options. One way to open a discussion is with the use of a current event. For example, perhaps you have concerns about whether or not your parents have plans in place for their medical care as they age. Find a recent news article related to your concerns and ask your parents if you can share what you learned. You can follow up this discussion with a question about what actions your parents have taken along those lines.
Recognize accomplishments
If you have noticed signs that your parents have made plans for the future, commend their actions. Before asking if they have considered long-term care planning, show interest in what steps they have already taken to prepare for the future.
Your parents may show interest in a personal caregiver, hired to provide in-home services. Or, they may have discussed the possibility of a long-term care facility. Knowing their preferences and having productive conversations about the future can encourage trust and support between everyone as your parents enter a new phase of their lives.