Approaching Your Senior Loved One About Home Care – A Guide

home health guide

Caring for your older loved one at home is very difficult. You need a respite from the responsibilities of 24/7 care, and you deserve time for yourself, too. Getting some help in the form of in-home assistance will benefit not just the caregiver but also the care recipient too.

However, it may be difficult to approach your loved one about introducing home care. They may be resistant to strangers coming into their home, and they may perceive it as a loss of their independence. It is a sensitive topic that must be discussed with utmost care and sensitivity. Approaching such a significant change needs patience, compassion, and, most of all, a plan.

Here are some things to keep in mind when approaching your loved one about home care:

 Do Your Homework

First, arm yourself with as much information as possible. Take the time to look into home health care agencies near you and all the services they offer. Take note of the care plans that will best suit your loved one’s lifestyle.

Be ready to discuss all the different options with your loved one. They will be reassured of your love and care if you can talk to them about the specifics of the options you’re presenting them. It’s essential to keep the focus on their needs and their safety.

 Start The Conversation

It’s important to choose the right place and the right time to start the conversation—make sure you’re in a private area, and you have a lot of time for thorough discussions. Reassure them of your love and your commitment to providing them with what they need. Emphasize all the benefits—home care services can enhance their care and even improve your relationship. A professional will be able to spot any health issues or problems that may not have been apparent to either of you.

If you have a hard time getting through to them, don’t be afraid to involve a third party. Your loved one may be more willing to listen to the perspective of another close relative, a doctor, or a religious leader.

Listen to Their Fears

Your loved one will likely express resistance, and it’s essential to acknowledge any fears they may have. Listen to their uncertainties and try to overcome them one by one by giving them more information and reassuring them about your future plans. Bringing in their primary physician for a professional voice in the conversation may help smoothen the process too.

Be Patient

Talking about your loved one’s future care will likely take several discussions over time. Be as patient as you can, and don’t pressure them into accepting all the decisions you’ve made. Let them take time to think about their future care, leave space to compromise, and consider their preferences and concerns, too.

Suggest A Trial Run

If your loved one continues to hesitate, you can suggest a trial run. You can have a nurse come in for a one on one to start, so all of you can begin building a relationship. Care plans can be modified over time, so you can add more services as your loved one becomes more comfortable with assistance.

Conclusion

Hiring home health care services is an excellent way for your loved one to maintain their independence—and it will give you time for yourself, too. But change isn’t always easy. Your loved one will have worries and fears, and it’s important to have productive, compassionate discussions with them before coming around to a decision.

Are you looking for the best senior health services in California? Bridge Home Health and Hospice is committed to providing the highest quality home health care and hospice care services for all our patients. Our highly trained clinicians and therapists strive to exceed our patients, families, caregivers, and physicians’ expectations. Contact us today!

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