A Guide for Families
Having the Conversation About Long Term Care

Prepare Yourself

Take the initiative by doing your homework and offering options.

Before beginning the conversation with your loved one, it is important to know the basics of long term care.  Being knowledgeable about the types of care available in your community will help you through the conversation.  With this information, you will be able to lessen the fears of your loved one by providing educated answers to questions he or she might have.

Many people experience feelings of guilt when they consider long term care for their loved one.  This is normal and, despite your feelings, you have to realize that you are looking out for his or her best interests.  There may come a time when your loved one is going to need more care or supervision than you have the knowledge or time to provide.  Long term care gives professional caregivers the opportunity to provide the quality of care and quality of life your loved one needs and deserves in a safe, secure environment.

Prepare Your Loved One

Ask permission of your loved one to have the discussion.

Having a conversation about the need for long term care is in the best interest of the entire family.  Because the need for long term care is a challenging topic to discuss, some people might need more time to think and reflect on it than others.  Asking permission assures your loved one that you will respect his or her wishes and honor them.  Some ways of asking permission are:

- “There is something very important to me that I would like to speak with you about.  I’d like to talk about your wishes and desires for the time when your health requires more care than you or I can provide at home.”

- “I would like to speak with you about the options and benefits of long term care.  I don’t want to alarm you, but it will make me feel better if I know your wishes when it comes to your health in the future.”

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