1. Approach It Correctly

If you want to have a conversation about end-of-life planning with your loved one, approaching the topic correctly can make a big difference in how frightened or stressed he or she is. Have the conversation when your loved one is relaxed and, ideally, before a terminal diagnosis or a major medical issue is a factor, which can make the conversation more difficult. Also, choose a time when neither of you will be rushed so you have the opportunity to fully explore any issues and options during the conversation. 

2. Ensure Your Loved One’s Wishes Will Be Honored

One of the biggest fears seniors have about end-of-life planning is that their wishes won’t be respected, either during the planning stages or when they need to be enacted. When making plans with your loved one, it’s important to remember he or she may make decisions you don’t agree with. Regardless, your loved one will feel much less afraid of end-of-life planning if he or she knows you will honor these decisions both now and in the future. 

If your loved one’s wishes include living at home as long as possible, it’s a good idea to plan ahead for the possibility he or she may need help with the activities of daily living. When researching agencies that provide elderly home care, families are usually looking for flexible care plans, compassionate and highly trained caregivers, and 24/7 availability. Whether you need respite care to take a break from your caregiving duties or your senior loved one needs around-the-clock assistance at home, you can rely on Assisting Hands® Dana Point.

3. Provide Information about Options & Address Your Loved One’s Concerns

Seniors may be afraid of end-of-life planning because they don’t know what options are available and are wary of the few options they’ve heard about. For instance, many seniors dread the idea of passing away in a hospital or nursing home surrounded by staff and lacking the creature comforts of home. 

Letting your loved one know there are many different ways to approach end-of-life care can make the planning less frightening. Have your loved one make a list of concerns he or she would like to address during your planning session and provide alternatives for these issues. 

Many seniors prefer aging in place over moving to assisted living facilities. If your senior loved one needs assistance to remain safe and comfortable while living at home, reach out to Assisting Hands® Dana Point, a leading senior home care agency in the communities of Dana Point, San Clemente, Capistrano Beach, Laguna Niguel, San Juan Capistrano, Rancho Mission Viejo and Ladera Ranch. Our dedicated in-home caregivers can assist with meal prep, bathing and grooming, exercise, medication reminders, and many other important tasks.

4. Let Your Loved One Know Family Will Be Taken Care Of

Some seniors are concerned about what will happen to their families after they pass. Often, thinking about other family members’ needs isn’t a standard part of end-of-life planning, but for some seniors, it can be an extremely important consideration. Talk with your loved one about whether he or she wants to ensure there will be grief counseling services available or if he or she wants a pastor or other spiritual practitioner to visit the family. Also, ensure your loved one has a legal will to make certain his or her relatives are provided for. 

Some seniors want to remain as independent as possible even during the last stages of life. Living independently is important for seniors who want to maintain a high quality of life. For some, this simply means receiving help with tasks that have become more challenging to manage over time. Even when families have the best intentions, they may not have the time to provide the care their elderly loved ones need and deserve. If your loved one needs help for a few hours a day or a few days a week, reach out to Assisting Hands® Dana Point, a trusted provider of home care seniors can depend on. To hire a dedicated caregiver, call one of our compassionate Care Managers at (949) 426-7300 today.