How to Communicate with an Elderly Parent

Co-authored by Justin Barnes and Hannah Madden

Last Updated: January 22, 2021 References Approved

Communicating with elderly parents is an important part of keeping in touch and making sure that they're doing okay. As your parent or parents get older, you might have concerns about their health, living arrangements, or their ability to do daily tasks. These topics can be hard to approach, but communicating regularly and with compassion can make conversations like these a whole lot easier.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

General Conversation

1
Keep in contact regularly. Your parent probably loves talking to you, so don’t be shy! Stop by for weekly visits, call on a regular basis, or use a video chat platform if you’re far away.^{[1]
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Expert Source

Justin Barnes
Senior Home Care Specialist
Expert Interview. 6 March 2020.}
- If your parent or parents feel uncomfortable using technology, ask someone who lives nearby to help them set up their phone or computer.
2
Ask about how they’re doing. Even if your parent is sick or in ill health, you shouldn’t assume that you know how they’re feeling. Check in with a simple “how are you?” to make them feel seen and heard.^{[2]
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- This is a great way to start a conversation if you aren’t sure where to begin.
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3
Have them tell you a story. Many elderly people love talking about the things they did when they were young. Ask your parent to tell you about their childhood or their young adult years to hear some interesting stuff you might not have known.^{[3]
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- Say something like, “What was it like when you were growing up?” or, “How old were you when you had me?”
- You might hear a repeat story or two, and that’s okay. Just listen like you haven’t heard it before.
4
Talk to them about their own parents. Parents have a huge impact on our lives, including your parent’s. Ask them about their upbringing and if their parents or guardians were strict.^{[4]
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- Try something like, “How late were you allowed to stay out when you were a teenager?”
- Or, “Was grandma super strict with you as a kid?”

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Offering Help

1
Ask if they need help with something instead of assuming. It’s easy to walk into a room and assume you know what your parent needs, but that’s not always the case. Make sure you ask your parent if they need help with anything before swooping in to take over.^{[5]
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- You could say something like, “I noticed the lightbulb in the kitchen is out. Do you want me to replace it for you?”
- Or, “That box looks heavy. Need me to lift it for you?”
2
Suggest things instead of ordering them. Even if your parent asks for advice, they probably don’t want to be ordered around. Give gentle suggestions or ask questions instead of using harsh language.^{[6]
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- Instead of saying, “You should work on your diet.” Try saying, “I could send you some of my favorite recipes!”
- Instead of saying, “You really need to exercise more.” Try saying, “Want me to send you some home workout videos?”
3
Talk to your parent like an adult. If you talk down to them or sound condescending, they may get angry or defensive. Keep your tone upbeat and talk to them like you would anyone else.^{[7]
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- For example, instead of saying, “Oh, you look so cute!” try, “You look really nice today, Mom.”
- Or, instead of “Are you having a tough time sweeping the floor?” say, “Want me to take over?”

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Approaching Tough Topics

1
Talk during a quiet, stress-free time. If you feel rushed or stressed, you probably won’t have the patience to talk about a sensitive topic. Pick a time when both you and your parent are feeling calm, relaxed, and ready to tackle a conversation.^{[8]
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- It might be easy to talk to your parents around the holidays, but holidays can be stressful for a lot of people.
2
Present the topic before jumping in to give them time to process it. You may have been thinking about this for a long time, but your parent hasn’t. Ask your parent if now is a good time to talk about something specific, then give them a few minutes if they need it.^{[9]
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- Say something like, “I’d like to talk about your finances. Is now a good time, or should we wait until tomorrow?”
3
Get specific about any concerns you might have. Beating around the bush can lead to confusion. Instead, use clear, direct language to spell out your concerns and what you’d like to do about them.^{[10]
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- Say something like, “I’m worried about your retirement account. I’d like you to talk to a financial advisor to see how much money you have in there and how to be more efficient with it.”
4
Use “I” language to avoid blaming them. Saying things like “you did this wrong” or “you’re being ridiculous” will only make your parent feel defensive and angry. Instead, shift the focus on yourself to talk about how you feel. For example:^{[11]
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- “I’m worried about your financial situation.”
- “I really think you should make it a priority to see the doctor soon.”
- “I can help you exercise today.”
5
Offer a few choices to give them some independence. No one likes to be told what to do, and your parent is no exception. You can give them a few options so they have some control over themselves without taking on too much responsibility.^{[12]
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- For example, if your parent needs to see the doctor, say something like, “Would you rather go to the doctor’s on Tuesday or Friday?”
- Or, if you need to help them with chores around the house, say, “Would you rather I cleaned the basement or did the laundry first?”
6
Listen to what your parent has to say. A conversation is a two-way street, and your parent might have some helpful insight. Even if it might get a little frustrating, really stop and listen to what they have to say and any concerns they have.^{[13]
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- Try to listen without judgement. It will make your parent feel better about talking through tough issues with you.
- Try paraphrasing what your parent just said in your own words to show them that you’re really listening before you respond.
7
Work together to find a solution. Even if you have a solution in mind, you should still listen to your parent’s suggestions, if they have any. Come up with a resolution that will satisfy both of you so you don’t get in a fight.^{[14]
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- For example, if you think your parent needs to stop driving, offer to teach them how to use Uber or Lyft.
- Or, if your parent doesn’t have a will yet, offer to connect them with an estate lawyer so they can get some expert advice.
8
Use patience and empathy to avoid getting frustrated. Difficult conversations are tough to have, especially if your parent gets angry or defensive. Remember that aging can be scary, and losing independence is probably pretty tough for your parent.^{[15]
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- If you find yourself getting overly emotional, walk away and save the conversation for another day.

Warnings

If your parent is showing signs of memory loss or increased confusion, have them check in with their doctor.^{[17]
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