It’s very common for seniors to not want help at home because they want to continue being independent. But, getting some extra assistance at home doesn’t mean that they can’t continue aging in place. In fact, it makes it easier for them to continue living in their own home.
If your mom or dad is living alone and they are starting to have trouble doing things around the house, they may need home care assistance. Home care assistance helps seniors with tasks like cleaning, laundry, cooking meals, doing dishes, and shopping or running errands.
Home care assistance helps seniors live comfortably at home. But, if your mom or dad doesn’t like the idea of having a home care provider you may need to have a discussion about the many benefits of home care assistance.
If you are having trouble explaining to your senior mom or dad why home care assistance is a good idea for them use these tips:
Choose the Right Time and Setting
Find a calm, private moment when neither of you is rushed or stressed. A comfortable and familiar setting can help make the conversation more relaxed and less confrontational. If you know that your mom or dad is calmer and alert after breakfast, try having the talk then. Don’t wait until it’s late and they are tired or cranky to try and talk about home care assistance.
Express Empathy and Understanding
Start the conversation by acknowledging their feelings and concerns. Let them know that you understand they are worried about losing their independence. Reassure them that you’re not trying to force them out of their home, you just want to make sure they’re safe living at home.
Focus on Their Needs and Home Care Assistance Benefits
Emphasize how home care assistance can enhance their quality of life and make living at home easier for them. Highlight benefits such as increased safety, support for daily tasks, and more personalized attention.
If you can’t be there to help your mom or dad as often as they would like because of work or family responsibilities stress to your mom or dad that with a care provider visiting daily they won’t have to depend on you and your limited schedule for things like picking up items from the store or cleaning the house.
Be Clear and Honest
Use straightforward language and be honest about why you think home care assistance is necessary. Avoid sugarcoating the situation, but also be sensitive to their feelings. For example, “I’ve noticed that some tasks have become more difficult for you, and I think getting some help could make things easier.”
It can be difficult to talk changes in your mom or dad’s ability to take care of themselves or the house, but it’s best to be honest about their ability level and express your concerns in a non-judgmental way.
Involve Them in the Decision-Making Process
Make sure your mom or dad feels involved and in control of their care decisions. Discuss options together and ask for their preferences regarding the type of care, the caregiver’s role, and how they want their care to be managed. You mom or dad will be more invested in home care if they feel like they are in control of making decisions about it.
Offer to Research and Explore Options Together
Help them find the best care options by researching home care agencies together. Set up a few different trial home care days so that your mom or dad can find a care provider that they click with. Once your mom or dad experiences the benefits of home care assistance they will wonder why they waited so long to try it.
If you or an aging loved one is considering home care assistance in Highlands Ranch, CO, please contact the caring staff at SYNERGY Home Care of Parker. 303-953-9924
