I never needed my mother to tell me what to do, but it was always a comfort that I could call "occasionally" to get her take on something. Now that she is in a mental decline, that is pretty much gone but it depends on the day.
Does anyone have any thoughts on how to talk to their parent (with issues) so the parent knows they were valued and are still valued?
Of course, it might just be lip service, but I think it does matter.
Just remember. Your mom loved (loves) you to bits. She has known all her life how much you respected her take on things, how often you sought her council, and how much you love her. That's like a tattoo on her heart. Just help her be happy.
Whew. Brings back loving memories of mom. And reminds me how often to this day I want to pick up the phone, hear her voice and share some news.
Sometimes that's all there is.
I think a lot of the loneliness felt by some older people has a lot to do with the realization that all those supports, parents, extended family, peers, even their spouse, have left them behind and there are few left who remember or understand the life they have lived. Spend time sharing stories about the good old days, page through photo albums, ask what she was doing during important historic events or what her favorite childhood games were. If she is beyond even that than I think all you can do is try to be a kind secure presence in her life.