Communicating with a Loved One

Imagine your parent is in a senior living community. Whenever you visit or call, they tell you about another resident who has the most wonderful daughter. This amazing daughter is patient, compassionate, and attentive. She visits her mother every day. You wonder if your parent is trying to tell you something – how do you respond?  

 If you struggle to get along with your parents, you’re not alone. Relationships are tricky, and families are no exception. Comments like the one above may feel like a personal jab, but it is important to consider the emotions behind them. Loneliness has been a challenge for everyone in the last decade, but nowhere is this isolation felt more than in senior living communities. We are all human, and we all crave connection. If your parent expresses discontent with the frequency or quality of your visits, perhaps it can serve as a reminder to examine your busy schedule and see if you’re making time for the people who matter most in your life. And of course, if you can’t think of anything else to say, you can always reply, “Yes, she is the most wonderful daughter. What a gift that she’s able to visit her mother every day!” 

Navigating new chapters of life can be difficult and stressful for everyone involved, especially older adults. While these new transitions may be challenging, Jewish Pavilion Senior Services and The Orlando Senior Help Desk are here to help. Visit JewishPavilion.org and OrlandoSeniorHelpDesk.org for valuable resources and support.