What's Next: Future-Proofing Your Loved One's Independence

Planning for What's Next: A Conversation Toolkit for Families

Making hard conversations a little easier with the goal of helping your loved one stay independent, safe, and comfortable at home.

Talking to your loved one about aging and care needs can be one of the hardest—and most important—conversations you’ll have. But waiting for a crisis makes everything harder. With a little preparation, you can help ensure that your loved one’s wishes are heard, understood, and respected.This guide offers helpful tips for starting meaningful conversations, building a care plan, and understanding how Home Instead can support your family’s journey—every step of the way.

image ID 9826a7b6 c771 4156 fad6 ba52ae058625 (1)

When Is the Right Time to Talk?

Experts recommend beginning these conversations around age 70—but sooner is always better. Aging is a natural part of life, and talking about it openly can empower your loved one to stay in control of their future.

How to start the conversation (Begin with their needs in mind)

Review what you need to discuss beforehand to help you stay focused during the conversation. Involve the right people, such as siblings, grandchildren, and anyone involved in their care. Focus on the positives and how the right care can enhance their quality of life.

1. Make a PlanReview what you need to discuss beforehand to help you stay focused during the conversation. Involve the right people, such as siblings, grandchildren, and anyone involved in their care.Focus on the positives and how the right care can enhance their independence.

1. Make a Plan

Review what you need to discuss beforehand to help you stay focused during the conversation.
Involve the right people, such as siblings, grandchildren, and anyone involved in their care.
Focus on the positives and how the right care can enhance their independence.

2. Pick the Right Time and Place

Select a location that creates a relaxed atmosphere.
Choose a day and hour that gives you time to talk without distractions.
Be flexible. You might need to have more than one conversation.

3. Listen with an Open Mind

Be patient and encourage them to chat.
Take the time to really listen, restating what you hear.
Don’t interrupt or cut them off.

4. Make it About Them

Be clear that the conversation is about supporting their independence.
Ask how they’re managing and what they’re feeling.
Take their wishes into consideration.

Download Your Action Plan for Successful Aging

These Action Plans were thoughtfully created to help you connect with your older loved one around some of life’s important topics including living and financial choices, health, relationships and dating, driving and end of life. You’ll find conversation starters, supportive tips, and useful resources to help guide planning and make family discussions a little easier.

Download Your Tool Kit

Nurse Directed Care

When tasks like medication management, glucose checks or wound care start to feel overwhelming, get personalized attention from our trained CAREGivers to stay healthy with services such as:

Personal Care

Personal care assistance helps adults maintain dignity as they age while receiving the care needed to stay healthy and independent. When needs extend beyond your family’s comfort, we’ll provide a helping hand with:

Bathing | Grooming | Bathroom Assistance | Dressing | Mobility | Sitting and Rising | Getting In and Out of Bed

Chronic Illness Care

Living with a chronic health condition can feel overwhelming and draining for everyone involved. Our skilled caregivers relieve the burden with person-centered care tailored to individual needs.

Hospice Support

Our compassionate Care Professionals deliver the practical and emotional care a family deserves throughout the hospice experience with:

24-hour Home Care | Personal Care | Medication Management | Overnight Care | Respite Care | A Compassionate Ear

Companionship

Our expert Care Pros can help prevent your loved one from feeling lonely. Companionship for the elderly includes activities that stimulate the mind and keep the body active, such as:

Are You Ready For A FREE In-Home Care Consultation

Call (250)860-4113

Additional Resources

VISIT US

Suite 102 – 546 Leon Ave

Kelowna, BC V1Y 6J6