Learn tips to begin a home care conversation with a senior.
There are some things we are likely to take for granted, until we’re faced with the risk of losing them. Towards the top of that list is the freedom that allows us to come and go as we please, and to make all of the little choices that come about each day: what and when to eat, who to spend time with, and what activities to engage in.
When family members begin to observe that their elderly loved ones may need a little extra help and support to ensure safety and wellbeing at home, bringing up the subject of in-home care can be tricky. Older adults may feel anxious or even defensive, as they anticipate a pending loss of freedom. It’s essential to start off the conversation about home care carefully, with sensitivity, empathy and understanding.
Home With You, providers of high quality Manchester caregiver services and senior care in nearby communities, shares some helpful strategies for families to bear in mind when it’s time to talk about in home care for elderly loved ones.
- Take your time. It commonly requires more than one conversation for older adults to agree to give home care a try. Keep objectives practical, and know that if the preliminary conversation is met with opposition, it’s a starting point. Allow your loved one time to process and digest the concept, and then try again.
- Compromise. Try to uncover specifically what services the senior is in objection to; for instance, a senior new to the suggestion of home care may be intimidated by the idea of having a caregiver assist with taking showers. Reassure the older adult that there are countless different ways a caregiver can help, such as with housework, laundry, and preparing meals. Starting with services like these is a great way for the senior and caregiver to get acquainted with each other and to build up to additional services as needs change over time.
- Get a professional referral. Communicate with the senior’s doctor and express your concerns. See if the doctor is willing to put together a note with his or her recommendation for in-home care assistance, or to talk one-on-one with the senior and offer this recommendation. Quite often, seniors are more likely to accept the need for care at home when advocated by a reputable medical professional.
If your loved one is still anxious about engaging the services of an in-home Manchester caregiver or senior care provider in the nearby area, it can help to offer to be present for the first several visits until the senior feels more comfortable. Before very long, a bond will form and the senior will be able to realize the many benefits home care supplies – and that it actually increases independence, rather than diminishing it.
At Home With You, we offer a free in-home consultation to meet with seniors and their family members to go over our care solutions and to come up with a customized plan to address any and all needs and concerns. Simply contact us at (410) 756-0959 learn more about our Manchester caregiver services and homecare throughout the surrounding areas.