Talking to a senior loved one about the need for assistance at home is one of the most difficult conversations to have as a family. Often, elderly parents will begin by denying they need help because they’re afraid of losing their independence. While this can be frustrating, it’s important to stay calm and know that most aging adults eventually accept help. In the meantime, these strategies can ease the flow of conversation while putting the prospect of home care in a positive light for your parent.
Highlight the Benefits
Older adults often focus on the potential downsides of having a caregiver, and your parent may say he or she doesn’t want or need someone poking around the home. You can counteract some of this negativity by emphasizing the benefits of in-home care. Does your loved one enjoy walks but faces challenges with mobility? Explain how the caregiver can provide mobility support and companionship. Or discuss how much time your loved one will have for hobbies or hanging out with grandchildren if there’s someone who can help with meal preparation or light housework.
One of the most challenging tasks of helping an elderly relative age in place safely and comfortably is researching agencies that provide senior home care. Turn to Home Care Assistance for reliable, high-quality in-home care for aging adults. We offer 24-hour live-in care for seniors who require extensive assistance, and we also offer respite care for family caregivers who need a break from their caregiving duties.
Get a Professional Opinion
If your loved one requires in-home care due to a serious health problem that affects his or her safety, you may need to streamline your approach. Older adults tend to respect their physicians’ professional opinions, and a private phone call before an appointment can clue your loved one’s doctor in to the situation. Many doctors are willing to state that in-home care is necessary, especially for seniors with mobility or cognitive challenges.
Every senior has different needs when aging in place. Some simply need occasional assistance with household chores, while others may be managing serious illnesses and require more extensive live-in care. Lincoln seniors can count on Home Care Assistance to provide the in-home care they need and deserve.
Start with One Service
Seniors often refuse home care because they’re concerned about losing privacy or the ability to live independently. If possible, choose one service to begin with that’s most likely to pique your loved one’s interest. For example, transportation to a favorite social activity could entice your loved one to accept help. Medication management could also alleviate a stressful chore without invading your parent’s sense of privacy during the transition period.
Suggest a Trial Run
Starting off with small steps is often the best way to introduce a major change. Tell your loved one you’ve arranged for a short visit once a week so you can both see how home care works and decide if it’s the right choice for your loved one. Often, a trial run is all it takes for older adults to get to know their caregivers and look forward to their visits.
Hiring a compassionate professional in-home caregiver is one of the best ways to ensure your loved one enjoys a high quality of life. Seniors can face a variety of challenges as they age, many of which can be mitigated with the help of professional in-home caregivers who provide high-quality homecare. Lincoln families trust Home Care Assistance to help their elderly loved ones age in place safely and comfortably. If you need professional care for your loved one, reach out to one of our Care Managers today at (916) 226-3737.