Don’t Put These Conversations Off Driving The point at which it’s no longer safe Estate planning Wills, advance directives, and funeral arrangements Long-term care Moving in with family, assisted living, nursing homes Medical issues New diagnoses and worrisome prognoses Mental health Including de- pression, loneliness, and fear Finances How much there is and how long will it last
TOUGH TALKS When roles reverse and children become their parents’ caretakers, tough conversations are inevitable. written by HOLLY LELEUX-THUBRON DO THIS
“We can tell when a patient doesn’t have good awareness about the issues that might impact the things they should and shouldn’t do,” Haut says. “In most cases, we’re happy to talk to patients and families about various
scenarios. We can offer support. And we can even make the decision for families, if it’s something they’re struggling with.” Having important conversations early on will always lead to better out- comes down the road.
➼ GOOD PARENTS TAKE great pride in caring for their children. And when the golden years arrive, good children take great pride in caring for their parents. Along the way, children will have to broach tough topics with their parents. It’s best to do so directly, with tremendous support and compassion, says Marc Haut, vice chair and director of clinical research at WVU
Medicine’s Rockefeller Neuroscience Institute.
“No longer driving is a ma- jor marker for a loss of inde- pendence. It’s a big transition,” Haut says of just one example. “When you have these kinds of conversations, it’s best to acknowledge that it’s a big deal. When you show that you understand what people are struggling with, they get that you get what they’re going through. It makes it easier for them to listen to the things you have to say.” Lay out the challenges that impending changes will present, Haut suggests, but also lay out the real risks of keeping things as they are. Medical professionals who deal with geriatric patients can be a helpful resource.
24 MORGANTOWN DECEMBER/JANUARY 2021
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