How to Have Tough Talks With Aging Family Members

PLAYING How to Have Tough Talks With Aging Family Members

How to Have Tough Talks With Aging Family Members

VIDEO

December 16, 2016

Katherine says she’s worried about the safety of her 75-year-old father, Lowe. She says he ignores his own limitations and that he’s too old to do extreme sports and run 10K races.

“I think my dad has a hard time accepting reality when it comes to his age,” she says.

However, Lowe says his daughter should mind her own business.

“I don’t need help. I don’t need a driver,” he says. “I’m in good health.”

In the video above, Dr. Phil and AARP caregiving expert and author Amy Goyer offer advice to families who need to have these tough conversations with aging relatives.

“You can’t say at a certain age you’re going to stop driving or doing anything, really,” Amy says. “It’s more about your skills, your health, your abilities.”

Amy suggests families have these conversations before a crisis occurs. “You need to talk about different scenarios,” she suggests, explaining that families need to discuss what will happen, for example, if an elderly loved one gets hurt. She adds that it’s important for family members to know where important papers and documents exist and who the emergency contacts are.

“The key is planning ahead,” Dr. Phil adds.

For anyone who is struggling with talking to or caring for an aging parent, visit: AARP.org/caregiving. And, check out Amy’s book Juggling Life, Work, and Caregiving.