The mere mention of the word “care” may bring fearful and even angry reactions from some seniors, and denying the need for assistance with daily living tasks is quite common. Most seniors are fully aware of changes in their health and physical abilities that are causing concern among their children, and reluctance that may seem like stubbornness or hardheadedness is likely fear of losing their independence. However, there are ways to approach talking about home care without eliciting a negative reaction from your aging loved one.
Choose Your Language Carefully
One mistake that’s often made when discussing home care is too much prequalification before anything of importance is actually said. Instead of approaching the subject in a roundabout way, start out with a concise statement about how much additional care could help your loved one, and stress that the care would be provided in the comfort of home according to his or her regular schedule.
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 elder care Lincoln seniors can trust and rely on.
Come Armed with Facts
Make sure to have the who, what, where, when, and why covered along with the cost of care before broaching the subject. Having these specific details will help your loved one understand the type of care you’re suggesting and prevent him or her from refusing care due to being unsure about who will be in the home and when or because he or she is concerned about the bill. It’s also helpful to have information on whether private insurance or Medicare covers any of the costs when presenting the plan for a senior’s home care.
One of the most challenging tasks of helping an elderly relative age in place safely and comfortably is researching agencies that provide elderly 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.
Redirect if Nursing Homes Are Brought Up
Reassuring seniors that home care has nothing to do with assisted living or nursing homes is important. Make it a point to reiterate that the option of home care is being presented to avoid the need for more advanced care. Point out that professional home care services for seniors can protect against common issues that require seniors to need advanced care in a nursing facility. Be direct, be clear, and have costs, coverage, and payment options arranged in detail before the subject is brought up. Walk away from the conversation if your loved one becomes stressed or agitated, and leave the facts behind in written form. In most instances, a couple more days won’t make a difference, and you can revisit the subject again later. Although these conversations aren’t the most pleasant, they’re necessary for your loved one’s continued safety.
Every senior has different needs when aging in place. Some simply need occasional assistance with household chores, while others may be managing a serious illness 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. To speak with one of our friendly Care Managers and schedule a no-obligation consultation, call us today at (916) 226-3737.