Dying wishes are a difficult and often uncomfortable conversation to have. Emotions may become heightened, the topic of mortality can be delicate, and individuals must think about decisions that would take place should they no longer be able to make those choices. Having an advance directive in place offers your senior family member peace of mind during this time. Still, you might be unsure how to approach this sensitive conversation. Here is some guidance and advice courtesy of Senior Helpers Roseville.
Benefits of Advance Directive Planning
Advance directive planning is incredibly meaningful for seniors and their families. It allows your aging family member to remain in control of the decisions that must be made should they become unable to make choices themselves. This eliminates inter-family disagreements about what kind of care or treatments are appropriate and reduces confusion amongst healthcare professionals when it comes time to implement them.
Additionally, having an advance directive can act as a legal document that states the wishes of your loved one, ensuring that their values and beliefs are protected in this difficult situation.
How to Approach Your Senior About Advance Directive Planning
Bringing up this conversation can be daunting for many family members. To make sure your senior loved one feels supported and heard during the process, consider these tips:
- Respect their autonomy throughout the discussion. Allow them to express their thoughts without interruption or judgment. Make sure to reference any decisions they have made as a sign of respect and admiration for them. For instance, if they previously acknowledged that they would like to remain in their own home, refer back so they know you're taking into account their wishes.
- Explain why currently-in-place plans are important with tactfulness and diplomacy. Stress that having an advance directive allows opinions about future healthcare treatments to remain consistent should general cognitive abilities reduce over time. Letting them know that you want what's best for them is key here; remind your senior relative of how much you care for them when considering possible solutions together.
Remain Compassionate in Your Approach
End-of-life conversations can be incredibly difficult to navigate, and showing kindness and compassion on each party's part goes a long way. Oftentimes, elderly individuals may be resistant to the idea of an advance care plan at first—they could feel that setting such a plan implies that their death is inevitable or inevitable soon, which can cause anxiety. Thoughtful and sensitive communication will help ease these fears as your senior loved one navigates this new situation.
Senior Helpers Provides Compassionate Care Services
Creating an advance directive requires careful discussions and thought. With thoughtful communication and understanding, you can help your senior loved one feel confident in the decisions they're making. At Senior Helpers Roseville, we are here to support seniors in the St. Paul, Roseville, New Brighton, Shoreview, and North Oaks areas throughout life's transitions—if you have questions about end-of-life planning for a family member, please don't hesitate to contact us today.