What are the most effective ways to communicate about aging and eldercare?

Many families struggle with how to start the conversation around eldercare; and that can go both ways (adult children to parents and vice versa). That's why having an eldercare consultant as the bridge that connects can be extremely helpful. The eldercare consultant has expertise of the aging experience, and can help the family to know what to expect and how they can best support. This person also guides the family through what topics to cover for the care plan, what resources are available, and develop effective coping skills. It's imperative that families start the conversation before a medical crisis! Ultimately, when it comes to planning for eldercare, you must be proactive! Ask any caregiver and they will say "Start planning now!"

I know from personal experience that everyone perceives aging and eldercare differently. And in many cases we are worlds apart. So be it. When I engage with someone on these topics, my approach is to ask a lot of questions and listen with an open heart.

I think you have to simplify the conversation. You can’t go with a generic approach. It needs to be tailored to what’s going on for that particular family. Then, you need to give simple tools so that those family members can get their hands around the issues that are most important and relevant to them. Once that done, the complicated and complex can be sorted out in a way that has a lot less friction and divisiveness in the discussion.

I have found it important to use engaging visuals: pictures of healthy active older people and graphics that illustrate any data ( not graphs and tables) I also believe it is essential to explode stereotypes and assumptions for every audience.

The conversation between an elderly parent and a child can be one of the most challenging. Making the conversation about a related person or experience that invites your parent to give their perspective can open doors to a broader conversation. The 'we need to talk' method you might use with your kids doesn't work with your parents. They are adults who have voices and choices that need to be honored. Once the door is open with your parents, make it an ongoing check-in that keeps it light and document what they say so you have the information when you need it.

I find that, when it comes to campainging for elders, and especially elders living with dementia. You have to be a strong storyteller and bring relateable stories of real people. You have to be able to move and capture desicion makers, and make them feel indignation and sadness - and show them solutions in every story that brings hope - you have to motivate to action.

Attention, en France le marché des seniors est réparti entre plusieurs persona aux sensibilités bien différentes! Il est primordial d'adapter son support et son message à la cible. Par exemple : les 60 ans et + ont tous une pratique digitale avancée, nous pouvons par exemple les cibler via une campagne Facebook, Youtube, Instagram que ce soit en smartphone ou PC. Pour les 75 ans et l'outil digital doit aussi être utilisé, néanmoins les supports physiques et notamment le boitage sont des supports complémentaires. Pour les plus gros budgets on peut également penser à la TV ou la radio Finalement, pensez bien à la qualité des "prescripteurs" qui peuvent être professionnels ou des proches aidants.

The best way to communicate about aging and eldercare is, first of all, to be positive. Second, if you have lived experience that can be shared in a story or multiple stories about the point you are trying to make, this can be very helpful. Also, establishing a personal relationship can help. If you are sending direct mail, send the leter from a real person in the company. Emails are the same - it's better to come from someone the receiver can get to know instead of a generic "company" email. Videos are also a great way to establish a personal relationship and share stories and examples. Establishing a trusting relationship is key to communication, persuasion, and selling.

Lived experiences, shared at that critical moment, when a loved one has lost a part of their self to dementia or a fall where they were alone for a period of time. This creates a firestorm of grief, confusion, and emotional urgency to find an answer. Stories from a comforting voice finally get through. Talk about the importance of safety, memories and support is finally welcomed by the family. A story of loss shared at that moment to a family member is heard with clarity. The best solution, to age in place, begins to make perfect sense. The story can be one of music, war, love, or beauty. A lived experience that can match the moment and make sense of life, a life worth living among the memories shared at the family home of many years.

I wrote my book The Takeover: An Unexpected Caregiver's Story in 2015 after I moved my parents across country to take care of them at the ages of 90 and 95. Now I am entering the category of being an elder. The perspective I gained from taking care of them and my background as a journalist is helping me navigate my own accelerating age. Still, the Ten Commandments of Caregiving that I initially included in my book remain a strong guideline for weaving through the obstacles that we all face in later life.

One thing that is important to remember about communication regarding eldercare solutions is that every situation is different: different values, different care needs, different financial needs, etc. Just because hospice worked for your family, for example, doesn't mean hospice is value-aligned for every family. Be careful to ask enough questions and have enough education to be able to provide the appropriate solutions. Otherwise, sending a stress-out caregiver in the wrong direction could waste their valuable time and energy.

Please consider finding a Certified Senior Advisor or eldercare consultant in your local area to support you. Professionals have walked the eldercare journey many times with their clients and will know the best resource for you. Good luck in your journey.

Be mindful of the language and content you use. There may be outdated terms and terms that are preferred when it comes to older people. In addition, be sure to prioritize accessibility. As people age, accessibility needs often increase, whether it be for low vision, mobility, or hearing. When you ensure your content and information is accessible, then everyone is able to enjoy it.