Starting the Conversation About Care at Home

Give the conversation a manageable purpose

This guide is for relatives, partners, friends, and other trusted people discussing support with an older adult. If you are planning your own care, you can use the same examples to explain your preferences and ask others for help. Family involvement is optional; a trusted friend or professional can also join a discussion.

Begin with the part of life you want to understand. Perhaps shopping has become tiring, a ride has fallen through, or a spouse is doing more household work than they can continue. Discussing a specific task gives everyone something concrete to consider.It also leaves room for a solution you had not imagined.

Your first aim might be to learn what is difficult, compare two practical options, or agree to request information. Avoid treating every conversation as a decision about a full care schedule. Someone can agree to hear about a service without agreeing to hire it.