079 – QA: Advice for Older Parents Frustrated by Their Family’s Concerns

In This Episode:

Dr. K addresses an older parent’s concerns and frustrations regarding her son’s attempts to help her with her health, and their differing views on what she needs. She covers:

• What to do if you’re an older parent frustrated by your adult child’s concerns for you
• How to communicate better and help your family understand what matters most to you
• Why it’s essential to address goals, priorities, and advance planning
• Why everyone needs to think about acceptance and boundaries
• The importance of fostering a stronger relationship and more connectedness
• Why older adults should be very careful about entirely cutting off their adult children
• How to negotiate a better way forward, and how to get help doing so

Related episodes: 

028 – When Older Parents Resist Help: 4 Tips for Better Talks

077 – Interview: Making Advance Care Planning Easier Through PREPARE

036 – Interview: Minimizing Family Conflicts & Supporting Aging Parents

013 – Interview: Solving Hard Problems in Helping Aging Parents

Related Resources:

• A frustrated older parent’s comment as posted on BHWA
• Difficult Conversations: How to Discuss What Matters Most
• 4 Things to Do When Your Parents Are Resisting Help
• What to know about aging life care professionals