It can be difficult to approach the topic of home care with an aging loved one, and it never feels like the right time. Despite the difficulty in starting the conversation, being proactive is the safest choice, and voicing your concerns early prevents your loved one from feeling ambushed later on. If you need help getting the conversation started, consider the following tips.
Show Sincere Concern & Support
Telling your loved one he or she needs help may come across like an accusation. Keep in mind you’re suggesting your parent is no longer capable of taking care of him or herself. Even if that’s true, it isn’t easy to hear, and no one wants to feel like a burden. In many cases, seniors already know they need help, but they may find it difficult to ask for support, or they may simply not want to. Approaching the issue from a place of genuine concern for your loved one’s health and safety and letting your parent know you support his or her desire to remain at home can prevent your loved one from becoming defensive or shutting down completely.
One great way to introduce your parent to the idea of getting help at home is to hire a caregiver for a few hours a day or a few days a week. For families living in Auburn, respite care can be a wonderful solution when their aging loved ones need companionship and socialization a few hours a week or just need minor assistance with daily household tasks. At Home Care Assistance, we thrive on helping seniors maintain their independence while living in the comfort of home.
Discuss the Advantages
It’s often helpful to discuss the many advantages of home care. When discussing care options, know what matters to your loved one most. If being self-sufficient is important, make sure to discuss how the care schedule can be customized to fit his or her needs, allowing your loved one to remain in control of his or her daily routine. An emphasis on positive changes may make your loved one more likely to cooperate.
Your parent may be reassured about receiving help if he or she understands the options available with home care. The type of home care service Auburn, AL, seniors need can vary. Some need assistance a few hours a day, while others require more extensive around-the-clock assistance. At Home Care Assistance, we tailor our care plans based on each senior’s individual care needs, and the plans can be adjusted at any time.
Wait It Out
Discussing home care with a resistant family member can be frustrating. It’s important to remember that most reservations come from a place of fear rather than a desire to be difficult. Change can be scary, and admitting you need help caring for yourself isn’t an easy thing to do. Be patient, address your loved one’s concerns, and don’t force the topic. Unless your loved one is in a dire situation, give him or her time to reflect on the conversation and come to his or her own realization that home care will actually be beneficial.
Remind your loved one he or she isn’t alone. Many older adults are choosing to age in place, and some need a helping hand to continue living at home safely and comfortably. Luckily, there is professional home care seniors can trust and rely on. Trust Home Care Assistance to provide high-quality compassionate professional in-home care for your loved one. Call one of our friendly Care Managers today at (334) 744-7100.