​Tips for Talking to Your Children About Visiting a Senior Grandparent

Senior Care Glenview IL
 
As a family caregiver you know the important role that you play in your parent’s life. It is vital to remember, however, that the rest of the family is important as well. Your children can be a valuable component of your care relationship with your senior, bringing energy, vitality, and fun into their life, and giving them the opportunity to making meaningful memories and learn more about the people who have come before them.

If your senior loved one has undergone extensive changes since the last time that your child spent time with them, or they have not spent much time with them, it can be challenging for them to visit. Planning ahead can make these visits smooth, comfortable, and meaningful for everyone involved.  
 
Use these tips to talk to your children about visiting a senior grandparent: 

• Be honest about any changes. Even if your child is very familiar with your parent and has had a good relationship with them, if your senior has undergone changes due to physical, cognitive, or emotional ailments, it can be stressful for your child. Be open and honest with them about what your parent has gone through and differences that they may notice. This will help them to feel more prepared and less nervous when they do see your parent. 

• Remind them of their importance. Help your child to understand how important they are to your parent’s life. Children can feel nervous and uncomfortable around older adults who have undergone personality changes or who no longer have the physical ability to enjoy as many activities together as they once did. Reminding them that they can still play an important role in their grandparent’s life and be valuable to them in new and different ways can help them to feel more comfortable in their visit and even inspire them to do more with your parent when they are with them. 

• Give them suggestions. Especially if it has been a long time since your child has seen their grandparent, they might not know what they are supposed to do when they see them. This can make them feel out of place and reluctant to go. Offer suggestions for ways that they can connect with their grandparent during their visit. Suggest that they share a favorite hobby or activity, show them pictures or artwork, or talk to them about school. Encourage them to make connections with them and just let their relationship grow without feeling nervous or pressured.  
 
Starting senior care for your aging parent can be one of the most nurturing, compassionate, and effective decisions that you can make for your aging parent throughout the course of your care journey with them. A senior home care services provider can be with your elderly loved one on a schedule that is customized to their specific needs, challenges, and limitations, but also their personality, goals, and preferences. This ensures that they are able to stay as healthy, safe, and comfortable as possible while also living the lifestyle that is right for them.

Having a senior care provider in the home during visits can also be instrumental in making these visits comfortable and safe for your parent while also ensuring that you can handle the care tasks that you need to and focus on your children or other needs. This ensures that your entire family is able to enjoy the visit as much as possible while also feeling confident that your parent’s needs are met effectively.  

If you or an aging loved one are considering Senior Care Services Glenview IL, contact the caring staff at Gentle Home Services. Call today (800) 860-9823.
​

---