Convincing older adults that they need help at home can be challenging. While they balk at the thought of losing independence, the opposite is actually true. By having a little help, they are much more likely to be able to stay in their home if that’s their goal. Sometimes, seniors are faced with the option of staying home with help or moving to an assisted community. Just by staying in their home, surrounded by familiar things and a lifetime of memories, seniors can feel independent and can maintain their own routine and lifestyle. Once a crisis occurs (a fall, dehydration, a severe UTI), decisions about their care may be in the hands of others. With professional home care, families can enjoy peace of mind knowing their loved ones are in safe and caring hands.
We have a few ideas:
- Discuss your loved ones’ goals. Make sure they feel heard and feel in control of decisions. If staying in their home is their desire, celebrate that goal and let them know you want to support them. A good plan might include a discussion of possible what ifs that are common for older adults. For example, what if you have a fall or other medical need? What if you are not able to drive safely?
- Let them voice their concerns. Perhaps they are not sure if they can trust someone in their home. Perhaps they are sensitive about personal care. Maybe it’s the cost. These are common concerns. Please give us a call to provide you with information to address these concerns.
- If they expect to rely on adult children or other loved ones for help, it’s important to have a candid conversation about this. Let them know that even though you want to help, you (as well as friends and neighbors) have other obligations and may not be able to be as readily available as they need. Discuss the importance of having quality time with them. Being able to visit without obligation or responsibilities will make your time together much more enjoyable.
- Ask your parents to try home care, at least temporarily. Once they meet their caregiver and see how great it is to have an extra set of hands and feet, “temporary” almost always becomes permanent. Be sure and share some of the benefits of home care, someone to prepare meals, help keep the home tidy, make sure they are safe when walking, showering, etc., someone to play a game of dominoes, take them to appointments, or go on a walk together. It’s their life and we want them to enjoy it! A caring professional caregiver will help them feel independent, safe, and encouraged.
- Come up with another name for “caregiver.” Some of our clients are more receptive to having a personal assistant.
- Ask your parents to do this for you: agree to a meeting with our owner. Once your parents meet our owner and understand that our company shares their goal of remaining at home, it’s a less threatening proposition.
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