A Guide for Families
Having the Conversation About Long Term Care

Choose the Right Time and Environment

Look for opportunities in connection with significant life events.  Drafting of wills, advanced health care directives or legal papers also provide time to have the conversation.

In addition, family gatherings may be opportune times to get loved ones to focus on their needs and wants concerning long term care.

Choose a place to have this conversation where you know your loved one is comfortable.  It should be a quiet place, free from distractions.  Usually, a private setting is best.  This is also a good setting to have this conversation with a loved one who is mentally impaired or has dementia.

Stay Positive

Understand that it is normal to encounter resistance the first time you bring up long term care.  Don’t be discouraged, just plan to try again at another time.

Getting your loved one to focus on and speak about this topic can be a very challenging process.  A common response is, “I don’t need any special help.”  Your loved one may not want to show signs of weakness or loss of control, which many people associate with long term care.  Don’t be discouraged.  Let him or her know you are concerned and that by discussing this topic, you are looking out for his or her best interests.  Although you don’t want to pressure your loved one, be persistent and return to the topic over time.

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