Many seniors resist home care services because they’re afraid of losing their independence, while others are uncomfortable with the idea of inviting a stranger into their lives. While these are completely valid concerns, there may come a time when your aging loved one needs professional caregiving services. Here are a few tips to help you have an open and honest conversation about professional home care with your loved one.
1. Research Your Options Beforehand
Before you start speaking with your loved one about home care, do some research. Consider what types of caregiving services are available and how much they cost. Your loved one might have a few misconceptions about in-home care, and you won’t be able to address those concerns unless you have hard facts. If other family members are going to be involved in this process, they should be brought on board as well.
Though you may be researching multiple agencies that provide elder care, Ambience In-Home Care has much to offer your family and your elderly loved one. We are leaders in the senior home care industry, offering around-the-clock assistance from reliable, experienced caregivers. Trust Ambience In-Home Care to help your loved one enjoy a happier and healthier life in the golden years.
2. Don’t Emphasize Your Loved One’s Limitations
Some older adults are sensitive about their health conditions, and bringing those issues up might make them uncomfortable. Instead of focusing on your loved one’s limitations, emphasize the many benefits of in-home care. A professional caregiver can shuttle your loved one around town so he or she can see friends and family members more often. Your parent will also have a helping hand with basic chores like cooking meals and cleaning up the house.
3. Provide Options
Another reason your loved one might resist professional home care is because he or she wants to have full control over his or her life. Hiring a caregiver without speaking to your loved one first could make him or her feel helpless and weak. At some point during the conversation, try to provide options such as what days your loved one will receive assistance and how long he or she would like the caregiver to be there each day. Keeping your loved one involved in those decisions may make him or her much more open to the idea of home care services.
Living independently is important for seniors who want to maintain a high quality of life. For some, this simply means receiving help with tasks that have become more challenging to manage over time. Even when families have the best intentions, they may not have the time to provide the care their elderly loved ones need and deserve. If your loved one needs help for a few hours a day or a few days a week, reach out to Ambience In-Home Care, a trusted provider of respite care Garland seniors can depend on.
4. Find the Right Time & Place to Talk
It’s not a good idea to bring up difficult subjects in the middle of an argument or when your loved one is agitated. If you’re both emotionally overwhelmed, consider saving the conversation for another day. Once a few days have passed and you’re both thinking clearly, you can then start the conversation in a quiet and comfortable place. Find an area where you can talk freely and won’t be disturbed.
5. Mention the Topic Early On
Some people start talking about home care years before it’s needed, and this often alleviates some of the pressure. As your loved one grows older, try to sit down once or twice a year to discuss issues like finances and health concerns. When the time is right, you can also mention caregiving services. Waiting until your loved one has been injured or diagnosed with a serious medical issue could make the situation much more stressful than it needs to be.
Many seniors prefer aging in place over moving to assisted living facilities. If your senior loved one needs assistance to remain safe and comfortable while living at home, reach out to Ambience In-Home Care, a leading Garland homecare agency. Our dedicated in-home caregivers can assist with meal prep, bathing and grooming, exercise, medication reminders, and many other important tasks. If you need professional home care for your loved one, reach out to one of our Care Managers today at (469) 535-6825.