Ask Kari: How can I convince my family that our elderly mother should no longer live on her own?
Dear Kari,
My mother is 78 years old and lives on her own but is struggling. I talk with her daily, but I can see that she would do better in a more supportive setting like a senior apartment or an assisted living facility. My sisters also live close by, but they both have some much going on in their own lives that they ignore how she is really doing on her own. Also, my mom refuses to talk about the idea of moving to a new place that could add years to her life because she wouldn’t have to struggle with the stress of taking care of a home on her own. How can I get everyone to face the situation and take action?--Daughter Who Is A Good Planner
Dear Daughter Who Is A Good Planner,
I can tell by your concerns that you want your mother to be safe and live a long, healthy life. Unfortunately, we cannot make our loved follow the path that we map out for them even if it could be in their best interest long term. Your mother is self-determining and gets to make her own decisions even if they shorten her ability to live a longer, safer life. I would pick a time to talk with her about your concerns, sharing with her that you would like to have her in your life for as long as possible. Tell her that you would love for her to be surrounded and supported by people and activities that is a match for her each day versus struggling with keeping up a home on her own. Also, talk with your sisters about the importance of all of you expressing to your mother your desire for her longevity and wellness vs. waiting for a crisis to happen before having crucial conversations with your mother about how she wants to live her life.
–Kari
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About Kari: Dr. O’Neill is a Doctor of Social Work, and a board-certified licensed independent clinical social worker. Dr. O’Neill completed her undergraduate and graduate education at the University of Washington and her doctorate at Tulane University, and currently serves as an affiliated medical staff member at Swedish Hospital Issaquah.