Your senior loved one may be known for his or her can-do attitude, yet you likely worry about your parent spending so much time home alone. While everyone loves a little independence, there may come a time when your loved one must rely on the help of others to continue to age in place. While it may seem challenging to get your stubborn parent to see the light, these strategies can help him or her begin to see the benefits of receiving in-home care.
1. Have the Conversation about In-Home Care
Your parent may initially just say he or she doesn’t want help at home. However, there’s likely another reason your loved one continues to refuse care. When your parent seems receptive to conversation, try asking open-ended questions to figure out what’s really going on. For instance, asking your parent what he or she is worried about regarding in-home care could reveal he or she is concerned about losing independence. Once your parent’s true concerns are known, you can address them by explaining how receiving assistance at home can help him or her stay independent for longer.
In-home care experts are available to provide high-quality care to seniors on an as-needed basis. From assistance with mobility and exercise to providing transportation to the doctor’s office and social events, there are a variety of ways professional caregivers can help your aging loved one continue to live independently.
2. Get Some Backup
A truly resistant parent may not take kindly to hearing what his or her adult child has to say. Avoid role conflicts by seeking the advice of someone your parent views as an authority. For instance, you could speak with your parent’s physician privately and have him or her broach the need for care at home. Alternatively, your loved one may benefit from hearing an elderly neighbor rave about how much more time he or she has to pursue hobbies now that a caregiver shows up once a day to do some housework.
3. Keep the Conversation Positive
When your parent has difficulty at home, it may be tempting to point out all the areas where home care could enhance his or her daily life. However, pointing out every little thing your parent does wrong, such as forgetting to shut off the stove or skipping meals, does nothing to promote a positive conversation. Instead of focusing on the negatives, mention good things about home care, such as how caregivers can take seniors out for movies or special lunches in the community.
4. Talk about the Most Dreaded Task
Every senior has some task he or she dreads. Whether your loved one has developed anxiety about driving or simply hates going to a crowded grocery store, a professional caregiver can make his or her life better. Instead of talking about home care, try asking if your loved one would like you to find someone to handle the stressful task. This technique may shift your parent’s attitude regarding professional caregivers.
Not every senior has the same care needs, which means they don’t all need the same type of home care. Pearland families can rely on Assisting Hands Home Care to provide individualized care plans to meet their elderly loved ones’ unique care needs. Our caregivers help seniors focus on healthy lifestyle habits such as eating nutritious foods, exercising regularly, and maintaining strong social ties, and we offer mentally stimulating activities that can boost cognitive health and delay the onset of dementia.
5. Provide Options
The prospect of having caregivers come into their homes may make seniors feel like they’re losing control over their lives. Ask for feedback regarding the types of care your loved one receives. For instance, you could ask your loved one if he or she prefers to eat lunch with a caregiver one day a week or every day. This approach allows seniors to see they still have influence over how they spend their time.
Reassure your loved one that his or her opinion matters when it comes to the level of care he or she receives. Some seniors only require help with a few daily tasks so they can maintain their independence. However, those living with serious illnesses may need more extensive assistance. Luckily, there is professional live-in care Pearland, TX, seniors can rely on. Home can be a safer and more comfortable place for your loved one to live with the help of an expertly trained and dedicated around-the-clock caregiver. Trust your loved one’s care to the professionals at Assisting Hands Home Care. Reach out to one of our compassionate Care Managers today.
