The conversation can be extremely difficult, but for fellow caregivers who want to broach the topic of medical alert systems with their parents or loved ones, Leeza Gibbons shares the following tips:
- Feel Confident in Your Choice: A medical alert service helps keep your loved one in their home, but it also helps you as a caregiver worry less knowing they’re safe. You have to believe in the service just as much as they do, so ask the tough questions and feel good about your choice. Communicate that you know being independent is important and that this is the way to maintain that.
- Know the Facts: Before having the conversation with my dad, I did a lot of research – on brands, on seniors’ risk of falling, on the benefits of having a device. Being aware of these pieces of the puzzle will help you have an honest and informed discussion with your loved one about why this is a really important conversation.
- Early Isn’t Early Enough: It’s never too early to have this conversation. You don’t know what the future holds, but you can take action now and make sure the ones you love have the care they need should something happen. It's OK to let them know you're worried and this is something that is as much for you as it is for them.
- Connect with Other Caregivers: Aging is a natural part of life and for some reason there’s this stigma attached to it. It is happening to all of us, and we should talk about it. Reach out to other caregivers going through a similar situation – it only makes us all more knowledgeable and comfortable about having this important conversation with the ones we love.
Related Resources:
