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SPIRITUALITY / LOVE / ELDERLY PARENTS / HEALTH / MAKING A DIFFERENCE
Bridging the Gap: Navigating Tough Talks with Difficult Parents
Let’s talk about literally standing in someone else’s shoes!
Caring for an elderly parent can be challenging, especially when they are struggling but won’t accept help. We want the best for them, but providing what they need can be a journey into puzzling times!
Recently, a client contacted me for guidance on how to support his aging father. Let’s call my client Jeff and his father Dean.
Dean lives two provinces away from his son Jeff and is in his late 90’s. He lives on his own and is struggling. Jeff and his sister want to help, but approaching their father when difficult decisions need to be made is not easy.
For example, Jeff’s father still has his licence but should not be driving. The neighbour, who used to go grocery shopping with Dean, won’t do it anymore. The last time they were out, Dean almost hit someone with his car...
Dean wants to live at home and does not want help coming in. The thing is, even walking is a significant challenge for him. Jeff worries his father will fall.
