When Parents Resist Care

As the Canadian population ages, children of seniors are increasingly challenged with parents who need support.
In many instances, parents resist this assistance, as it often represents a loss of independence. How can we plan for these changes?

Communication

As is the case with most things in life, we can make the most progress with an open honest discussion. Families should include all interested parties in the process– siblings, friends, neighbours. This will ensure that down the road when important decisions need to made, everyone will feel included.

Consult the Professionals

Often the advice of a physician will assist families faced with elder care challenges. Not only will the physician’s input carry weight, the parent will have an independent “second opinion” from someone not involved in the process.

Get the Paperwork Done

If it has not been addressed recently, this is a good time to revisit your Will, and Powers of Attorney. In the process of discussing wishes, it can led to a discussion on current personal needs. Although these can often be difficult discussions to have, a proactive approach will likely help the parent to accept life stage challenges with grace.

Is the House in Order?

Enlist the help of some family members and hold a family gathering to ensure your parents’ home is free of clutter.
This will relieve everyone of additional pressure associated with concern regarding a fall due to clutter or other hazards. It will also hopefully make the process fun, and pave the way in the event that a move is required in future.

Support the Family Caregiver

Part of the difficulty in providing support to elder parents, and especially those who resist it, is that the caregiver also needs extra support.  For those in the position of assisting, making time for oneself is key. Make certain that you take time to look after your own needs – take a walk, go for a massage, whatever it takes to maintain your balance.

Go for a Tour

A tour of some local retirement homes can be very beneficial.  If your parent likes the idea, this will make an inevitable transition smoother. If they do not like the idea, it may help them to be less resistant to help in their own home.

In Summary

Aging parents require time and consideration as they make their way to acceptance of the changes this life stage can bring. Kindness and an attentive, respectful approach will give family members the best opportunity to maximize their “golden years,” with the knowledge that they will have the support they require. Respect is Key!

 

Related Posts

Passing of Accounts and Estate Accounting

Passing of Accounts Estate Trustees are required to keep accurate and up-to-date accounts of the estate or trusts they are administering. Obtaining the court’s approval of these accounts is a process known as “passing of accounts”. The court’s approval is not always required, but in certain circumstances a passing of accounts is necessary. These instances

Read More »

Intestacy

DYING WITHOUT A WILL; INTESTACY LAWS IN ONTARIO  In accordance with the Succession Law Reform Act (SLRA), when you die without a Will (known as dying intestate) your estate will be administered according to the law of intestacy. The Rules The rules of intestacy are inflexible, and apply regardless based on bloodlines. These rules may

Read More »

Estate Information Return

What are the consequences for NOT filing with the Minister of Finance? Estate representatives who fail to file the Information Return as required, or who make false or misleading statements on the return, are guilty of an offence and, on conviction, are liable to a fine of at least $1,000 and up to twice the

Read More »

World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEADD)

Financial abuse is the most common abuse of elder abuse and is the use of a person’s money in a fraudulent way and without their consent or awareness. The Canadian Securities Administrators is launching a campaign this month, which is aimed at family, friends and caregivers of older adults. People are being encouraged to reach

Read More »

Making a Will

What is a Will? A Will is a legally binding declaration of a person’s wishes regarding the disposition of his or her estate after death. Typically, a Will includes clauses such as: identification of the person making the Will; revocation of all previous Wills; appointment of executors and guardians; payment of debts and taxes; specific

Read More »

Your Rights as a Patient

As Canadians age and the need for health care increases, it is invaluable to be aware of your rights as a patient to ensure you make informed decisions about medical treatment decisions. Right to Information on All Treatment Options Also known as the Right of Informed Consent, your doctor is required to inform you of

Read More »
Scroll to Top