In today's busy world, families can occasionally be split up by great distances. The holidays can be the only opportunity you see your siblings talk about caregiving-related difficulties if you're your parent's primary carer.

But dealing with such weighty problems during the holidays may be challenging.

Happy moments, difficult topics

Nobody likes to talk about "tough" subjects like transferring your parents into an assisted care facility or receiving an Alzheimer's diagnosis over a holiday meal when everyone is gathered around the table.

It could be tempting to postpone the discussion and even schedule a phone call for after the new year. But a face-to-face conversation is typically the best.

So wait till you are all together before starting the topic.

If you are the primary carer, it will be simpler to demonstrate that you need assistance when you can show your siblings the proof and let them see it for themselves.

Prepare for the Discussion

Make a list of all the subjects you want to discuss with your siblings before they come to visit for the holidays. This might involve selling your parent's house, saving for retirement, or paying for assisted living.

Make a list of the challenges your parent is facing, such as:

• Is the house no longer as tidy as it once was?
• Do you have a backlog of unread mail, including bills?
• Does the phone frequently ring with unknown callers, which might be a sign that bill collectors are calling?
• Do your parents frequently appear to forget significant events or facts?
• Have they gained or lost weight, which may indicate an illness or that they aren't eating well?

You might wish to talk about carer roles and responsibilities if a transfer to an assisted living facility is not now on the cards. Maybe you need the help of your siblings. They could be able to pay for respite care even if they are far away, allowing you to take a break.

How and When to Talk

Before talking to your parents, you might wish to bring up the subject of their care with your siblings. Here are some pointers to help the talk flow more easily:

• When your family members come, you shouldn't start the talk right away. They can be emotionally charged and tired from their trip.
• Encourage your siblings to go for a drive so they can chat about things. Because there is less eye contact, people tend to converse more freely in cars.
• You can always carry on the chat at home after it's started.

Discussing Senior living with your aging parent

Avoid seeming like you are working against your parents when you speak to them. The ideal person to approach the parents first may be the sibling who is closest to them.

To understand how individuals feel about their circumstances, it also helps to ask open-ended questions. Ask them about their retirement funds and how they are doing on their own, even if it could be difficult.

We are aware that visiting an assisted living facility to learn more might be useful for families before they speak with elderly parents. We thus give an open welcome to adult children to drop by whenever it suits them. To arrange a private tour of the Heritage Care Home Senior Living facility closest to your parents' house, call right now!