If you are not getting along with your folks, it is probably your fault. You alone have the opportunity to change things. Conversations are like volleys that go back and forth, but they do not have to. They can be stopped by you at any point. If you do not argue back, the conversation will end. This technique will prevent you from saying something hurtful or argumentative that may later make you feel guilty. .
For example, you may have a parent in a senior Living community who tells you that someone else has such a wonderful daughter. That daughter visits her mother every day. You may find this remark upsetting or annoying. You have a choice in how you respond. You could note all of the wonderful things you do for your mother, or explain why you are too busy visit daily. You could explode and tell your mother that the other resident is far more pleasant that she is to visit. The choice is in your hands. If you refuse to engage in negative conversation, you will not have one.
The easiest response when a parent communicates is to say “un huh” whether you agree or not which discontinues any future verbal volley. In the case of another person, rather than you being praised, you can simply agree
In this example you can say “Yes she is a wonderful daughter. It is so nice of her to visit every day” This ends the conversation. Your parents are the way they are, and they are not going to change. Accept them for who they are, and try not to argue.
While most seniors face major adjustments when transitioning to an elder-care community, Jewish seniors face additional challenges. Not only do they lose their homes, and many of their friends, but they also lose ties to their cultural heritage. This is where the Jewish Pavilion, a 501c3 non-profit, steps in. The Pavilion serves as a resource that provides room visits, festive holiday celebrations, and more to 450 Jewish residents in fifty facilities for seniors. The Jewish Pavilion promotes inclusion, and thousands of seniors of all faiths are welcomed into our programs. www.JewishPavilion.org
The Orlando Senior Help Desk at the Jewish Pavilion (407-678-9363) helps thousands of callers navigate their way through the daunting senior maze, alleviating caregiver stress while giving advice on all types of elder issues. www.OrlandoSeniorHelpDesk.org
