{"id":67541,"date":"2026-02-17T17:05:49","date_gmt":"2026-02-17T17:05:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.comfortkeepers.ca\/londonwest-new\/?page_id=67541"},"modified":"2026-06-24T13:10:34","modified_gmt":"2026-06-24T13:10:34","slug":"starting-the-conversation","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.comfortkeepers.ca\/londonwest\/family-education-centre\/starting-the-conversation\/","title":{"rendered":"Starting The Conversation"},"content":{"rendered":"

Aging happens. There is no getting around it. Learn more about our care for seniors in London, ON and the surrounding areas.<\/h2>\n

Unfortunately, conversations about preparing for our senior years often do not happen. At least not as soon as they should.<\/p>\n

In this article, Comfort Keepers\u00ae<\/sup> offers suggestions for overcoming the discomfort that often prevents adult children and parents from beginning these meaningful discussions about care for seniors, including long-term senior care and finances, health care, end-of-life decisions, driving, or safety around the house. Want to talk to a live person? We\u2019re ready to help you in London, ON: (519) 601-4075<\/a>.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n<\/form>\n

Communicate early and often<\/h2>\n

The best advice is to plan carefully and think through these conversations so that they are as positive and productive as possible. Write down what you think you need to discuss so you don\u2019t forget anything.<\/p>\n

Also, do not approach this important opportunity as \u201cThe Conversation,\u201d but as an ongoing series of conversations. Address one issue at a time rather than trying to resolve everything at once. It is less intimidating that way. If you start small, you are more likely to start.<\/p>\n

The following are additional tips for starting the discussions:<\/p>\n

    \n
  • \n

    Begin early<\/strong> when your parents\u2019 health allows them to fully participate and share their wants, needs, and preferences. Otherwise, your decisions may be dictated by a life-changing event and may not necessarily reflect your parent\u2019s wishes.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

  • \n

    Choose a time and place<\/strong> that makes everyone comfortable. Avoid special family gatherings, like a birthday or holiday celebration. Choose a time that is not hemmed in by other obligations so you can have a relaxed, unhurried conversation, giving your parent plenty of time to share their wishes.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

  • \n

    Include other family members<\/strong>, but meet before approaching your parent to make sure everyone\u2019s on the same page and to avoid an unproductive, confrontational situation.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

  • \n

    Make the experience non-threatening<\/strong> by letting your parent know you\u2019re concerned for their well-being and want to know how you can help. Explain that you would like to help them write down their plans to help ensure they are followed. You can also help open the discussion about long-term planning by asking whether there are any responsibilities, such as home maintenance, yard work, or bill paying, they would like you or someone else to help with to make life easier.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

  • \n

    Use good communication skills<\/strong>. Maintain good eye contact and get close enough to your parent without invading personal space. Closeness builds trust and allows you to speak, and be heard, in an even, controlled voice.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

  • \n

    Share an experience<\/strong>, such as your own retirement or estate planning, as a way to gracefully transition into a conversation about your parents\u2019 thoughts regarding the future. A friend or relative\u2019s medical emergency or an in-home care plan for seniors could also serve as an opening for dialogue.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

  • \n

    Ask about records and documents<\/strong>. Ask your parent where they keep important documents such as insurance policies, wills, trust documents, investment and banking records, tax returns, living wills, and durable powers of attorney. Explain that you want to be prepared to help them when needed. This could also serve as a way of finding out what plans they have already made and what needs to be done.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

  • \n

    Ask open-ended questions<\/strong> that encourage your parent to share feelings. Then sit back and carefully listen to learn what is important to them.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

  • \n

    Offer options, not advice<\/strong>. Pose questions and offer more than one acceptable solution. Ask your parent which choice they prefer. This involves them in the decision process and enables them to exercise control and independence.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

  • \n

    Speak with respect<\/strong>. Approach the discussion as a partner with your parent. In other words, make sure your parent is an active participant in the conversation. Stop to listen and respect their desire and need to maintain control over their lives. Avoid reversing roles in the discussion. For example, avoid acting as the parent and treating your parent as the child. This could cause your parent to resist your attempts to open discussion.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

  • \n

    Keep it simple<\/strong>. As stated earlier, do not try to resolve everything at once. The goal is to open an ongoing, honest dialogue about your parent\u2019s future, to share information and to understand your parent\u2019s wishes and needs so that decisions can be made.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

  • \n

    Involve third parties<\/strong> if your parent resists your efforts to begin the discussion. They may be more open to the guidance of a respected non-family member, such as a doctor, a member of the clergy, a geriatric care manager, a representative of an area agency on aging, or trusted friends and neighbours who may have already helped a loved one in a similar situation.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

    Seniors Can Initiate the Conversation, Too<\/h2>\n

    If you are a senior looking ahead and wanting to plan for the future, you do not have to wait for your children to bring up the subject. Often adult children don\u2019t like thinking about their parents getting older and are reluctant to initiate the discussion about care for seniors.<\/p>\n

      \n
    • \n

      Take the initiative<\/strong>. If you begin having difficulty with activities of daily living, such as bathing, driving, or managing finances, speak with your physician or other health care professional. Also, bring up the subject with family and ask for their suggestions and assistance.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

    • \n

      Share your preferences<\/strong> with family and friends. Do you want to continue living at home but with the help of a home caregiver who can assist with certain tasks around the house? Or, if you are finding it more difficult to prepare nutritious meals for yourself, would you prefer having meals delivered or having someone prepare meals for you in your home?<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

    • \n

      Learn about available services<\/strong> to help you as you age. Physicians, social workers, geriatric care managers, and other health care professionals can guide you. Your local Area Agency or Council on Aging can also provide a listing of care for seniors and other services available in your area.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

      We love helping our neighbours in London, ON and the surrounding area. Please call us at (519) 601-4075.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

      Aging happens. There is no getting around it. Learn more about our care for seniors in London, ON and the surrounding areas. Unfortunately, conversations about preparing for our senior years often do not happen. At least not as soon as they should. 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