The holidays are right around the corner and while they represent a time of love and caring, it’s also an ideal time to have family discussions as the entire family is typically present.

1. Holiday Season and Health-Related
Family Meetings

2. The holidays are right around the corner and while they represent a
time of love and caring, it’s also an ideal time to have family discussions
as the entire family is typically present.

3. One common topic for families is the decision process surrounding
caring for a loved one. It’s not an easy decision to place a loved one in a
nursing home or request homecare assistance, and Sharon Roth
Maguire, a geriatric nurse practitioner and Vice President of Quality and
Clinical Operations for BrightStar Care®, prepared tips to help families
lead successful discussions.

4. “You may have a hunch that a loved one needs additional assistance,
but it can be difficult to come to terms with the fact and they might
resist as well,” says Maguire. “Ultimately, having the conversation early
and efficiently is best. We know it can be uncomfortable so we’ve put
together a few helpful tips and techniques for assisting the process.”

5. Get prepared: Where do you start and what questions need to be
asked? This isn’t a conversation you want to be unprepared for. There
are resources available to help assist the process.

6. CareTogether features nine Task List templates that can help you
prepare for your meeting. The pre-populated task lists include a home
safety checklist, tips for interviewing a new caregiver, creating an
emergency contact list and a family caregiver questionnaire.

7. Assess Needs: In addition, it’s important to recognize what physical
and mental deficits your loved one currently has. Will your loved one
need hands-on care or someone to fill a companion role? Does your
loved one require skilled medical assistance or specialized care such as
hospice care or mobility needs? Evaluate exactly what you are looking
for and be prepared to discuss details.

8. Know Your Options: Do not assume that a nursing home is the only
option. With homecare providers, community programs and assisted
living facilities, there are various degrees of care that offer flexibility
and independence for your loved one.

9. Communicate Openly: Listen to your loved one and family members
involved in the conversation and be respectful. The decision to place a
loved one in a nursing home or require additional aid can be difficult to
embrace. Keep communication open and make sure everyone involved in
the care process can openly discuss their needs, emotions and even
frustrations effectively. Although it may be difficult to talk openly, it can
greatly relieve stress.

10. Give the gift of support this Holiday Season: BrightStar Care® is here
to help take the stress out of this busy time, so you and your family can
enjoy the wonders of the Holidays and a happy and healthy New Year.
Call BrightStar® to Hire an Elf® this season. We can help with care for
visiting relatives to putting up holiday decorations to assisting the busy
family caregiver.

11. Find Quality Care Now
Locate a BrightStar Near You!
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