Giving Your Mother Time to Answer

You are attending a care planning meeting in your mother Doreen’s suite at Juniper Lantern Retirement Residence in Avenridge, a suburban community in Alberta. A staff member is asking what help she would like with meals and laundry. Your brother Russell, who helped organize the meeting, answers every question before your mother can respond. She has twice started to explain her preferences but stopped when he spoke over her. Russell knows her routines well and wants to help, but the staff member needs to hear her wishes directly. During a short break, you have a chance to speak privately with Russell.