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It’s never easy finding out how to bring up the idea of hospice care to your aging parents. For one, most older adults wish to remain independent as long as possible. So, hospice care might feel like their freedom is getting taken away. Not to mention, needing hospice care is a reminder of one’s diminishing state of health.
When going to discuss this touchy topic, keep the following considerations in mind to help make the conversation go smoother.
Listen to Them
It’s never a good feeling like your thoughts aren’t being heard. Your parents may have changing needs. However, they’re still human. They have opinions, needs, and emotions.
So, when you bring up the topic of hospice care, be an active listener. Let them vent and tell you how they feel. Don’t interrupt them. Don’t argue. Don’t judge. Allow them to have a voice. Seek to educate and inform instead of criticizing and being pushy.
Try to Stick to Your Parents’ Wishes as Much as Possible
Even from a young age, life might throw curveballs. We might break our leg before a big soccer tournament, get rejected from our dream job, or end up graduating with a degree that we never thought we’d study. That said, things don’t always go as planned, and sometimes things go in the opposite direction than we want, for better or for worse.
If at all possible, try to listen to your parents’ wishes. What do they think about hospice care? Is it really the best type of care for them, both physically and mentally? If it’s absolutely necessary and truly going to be the best option for them, then definitely convince them. Otherwise, try to come to a compromise or a different resolution.
Meet Up with a Hospice Nurse
Saying yes to hospice care can be intimidating. It’s a big change that many people aren’t ready for. Like a child going to school for the first time, an aging adult opting for hospice care may be nervous and uncertain.
Making an appointment with a hospice nurse, however, can help open your parents’ eyes to the idea of hospice care. They may feel more comfortable with the idea if they get to learn more about hospice care and get more acquainted with their potential hospice nurse. Encourage them to ask any questions that they might have to ensure there are no misconceptions or confusions.
It’s not always a simple task trying to find a good hospice house near you. But with thorough research, you’ll find the perfect means of care for your parents. This way, you can be more confident that your parents are getting the quality care that they deserve in their golden years.
Conclusion
Telling your parents that they may need hospice care due to their declining health is not easy. The transition to independent life to hospice care can be a bit rough. However, a kind, supportive conversation with your parents can make the idea of hospice care easier to fathom and eventually give a try.
