How Not To Pull Your Family Apart

Jodi breaks the silence. “Dad, the other day, you and I discussed if we should ask Grandma’s doctor if she should get a cane to steady her up. I did some research and, frankly, I’m alarmed to learn that statistically, when an elderly person falls, their hospital stays are almost two times longer than those of elderly patients who are admitted for any other reason. Sadly, according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), falls are the leading cause of death from injury among people age sixty-five and older with more than half of all injury-related deaths involving people age seventy-five or over.”

Grandpa James, looking concerned, takes a moment to internalize the information. “I had no idea. For Grandma, the most profound effect of falling would be the loss of her ability to function independently.” Chuckling, he adds, “Or her version of independently.”

Wanting to appear supportive of Grandpa’s attempt at humor, the family members nod or smile, but it is easy to read their faces, which clearly indicate they fear their grandma is at risk of adding to those scary statistics.

Jodi decides this is her opportunity to be more open with her dad. “And as long as we are discussing this together, let me share that Jackson and I are equally concerned about the effects Grandma’s unsteadiness could have on you, both emotionally and physically, Dad.”

Jodi’s son, Erik, seizes the opportunity to add, “OK, while we are adding concerns about the effects on Grandma and Grandpa, we should also discuss the effects it is having on you, Mom.”