Do you have aging parents? Does it seem like they’re saying goodbye to more of their peers lately? When you avoid talking with aging parents about death, it’s becomes an elephant in the room - a kind of obvious truth that nobody wants to address.

Nobody likes to think about saying goodbye. Did you know that outlining a funeral or memorial service in advance can help relieve some of the stress associated with grieving a loved one lost?

If you want to know more about talking with aging parents about death, then listen to this episode of Forever in their Hearts, where host Erik Reynolds talks with Valerie Martell, Director of Operations for Martin Brothers Funeral Services about her experiences with the topic.

As your parents get older, there are a lot of unavoidable topics that have to be discussed sooner or later. This interview is a chance to learn how to discuss this delicate topic with aging parents.

Should My Elderly Parents Attend Funerals?

The episode kicks off with Valerie addressing whether aging parents should attend services at the local funeral chapel for their loved ones lost.

Next Valerie explains her process for approaching the topic of dying in relation to the other milestones we experience throughout our lives.

A funeral is more than an opportunity to gain closure after someone passes away. During the podcast Valerie discusses some of the other emotional benefits of this necessary, social gathering.

Helping Aging Parents with Grief

Then Valerie goes on to talk about how to help your aging parents with their grief. While on the topic she answers questions such as:

- What can I say to my aging parent when talking to them about grief?
- How can I help my aging parent realize they aren’t going to live forever?
- Are there signs an aging parent displays when they need a break from grief?
- Which professionals can help my aging parent work through the stages of grief?

Now ask yourself these two things: Are my parents attending funerals more frequently? Do I want tips for talking with aging parents about death? If you answered “yes” to either or both, then the information in this podcast from Martin Brothers could help.

When to Talk to Parents about Their Funeral Plans

Next Valerie suggests some of the best (and one of the less than ideal) times when you might talk to an aging parent about their funeral pre-arrangements.

Valerie also offers talking points you can use to ease into discussing this topic with your aging parents.

If your aging parents display any of the social cues Valerie mentions in the podcast, then you may benefit from following the advice she gives about that particular aspect.

The episode concludes with an overview of Valerie’s last few tips about talking with aging parents about death.

Are You Ready to Talk to Your Aging Parents?

Do you need help opening the dialogue about grief with your aging parent? Is your aging parent ready to pre-plan their funeral or memorial service? Please reach out to us in the comments section so we can talk through this topic together.

Martin Brothers Funeral Services has more than 100 years of experience in providing thoughtful, dedicated services to families dealing with loss. If you are ready to take care of funeral pre-arrangements, have additional questions about their services, or are dealing with a loss, please contact them at their Vancouver office.

Martin Brothers Funeral Services

Vancouver: Funeral Services Centre
3398 Dunbar Street
Vancouver, BC Canada V6S 2C1

Telephone Number: 778.330.7799
Toll Free Number: 1.800.382.2901
Fax Number: 778.330.7633

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MartinBrothersFuneralChapelsBcLtd
Twitter: https://twitter.com/martinbrothers1