Your senior loved one has reached the point where you know he or she needs help. Yet your loved one may refuse to listen to your concerns. Seniors who prize their independence may refuse to accept help out of sheer pride. Others may fear what could happen if people they don’t know come into their homes. Getting your parent to accept help may be easier when you take time to work through these strategies.
1. Choose Your Words Carefully
Just the mention of having a caregiver might make your parent defensive from the very beginning. Things could only get worse if you start pointing out all the things that are wrong with your parent’s health or home. Instead of lingering over everything that’s bad, try focusing on using positive language. You can discuss how a caregiver will help your loved one get out of the house each day, or you might mention that having someone help out could make him or her feel less lonely.
Many older adults are choosing to age in place, and some need a helping hand to continue living at home safely and comfortably. Luckily, there is professional in-home care seniors can trust and rely on.
2. Connect to a Recent Health Issue
Many aging adults realize they need help after a health issue arises. Ideally, home care services should be in place before a major problem occurs, but there’s no reason to feel upset if your parent hasn’t been ready until now. Citing a current health issue lets you present home care as a possible temporary solution. For instance, seniors who have assistance at home after they’ve been discharged from the hospital are less likely to need to be readmitted.
3. Mention Basic Services
You and your parent may have a different concept of home care. For instance, you might be picturing your loved one getting help with driving to appointments, while he or she envisions someone assisting with bathing. If your loved one’s abilities permit, suggest a basic home care service. Even able-bodied people enjoy services that help them keep their homes clean or their hair styled.
Aging adults who require assistance with the tasks of daily living can benefit from reliable elder care. Green Valley, AZ, families trust Embrace In-Home Care to provide the high-quality care their elderly loved ones need and deserve. Our caregivers are trained to help seniors prevent and manage serious illnesses and encourage them to make healthier decisions as they age.
4. Involve Other Trusted Adults
Family dynamics can influence how this conversation goes. Your parent may refuse to listen to you simply because you’re still his or her child. Your loved one may also claim you just worry too much or have always been overly cautious. If this is the case, look for other people who will support your cause.
Seniors are often willing to try home care when their doctors suggest it, and a simple phone call before an appointment can clue the doctor in to your concerns. Clergy members, your parent’s siblings, and friendly neighbors are other people who might be willing to put in a few good words about the benefits of home care on your behalf.
5. Give Your Loved One Some Time
If your loved one is being discharged from the hospital soon or has serious health concerns, you might not be able to wait much longer. However, many families need their discussions about home care to be ongoing. After you state your case, give your parent a few days to consider the idea. Your loved one might decide to come around to your way of thinking.
Living independently is important for seniors who want to maintain a high quality of life. For some, this simply means receiving help with tasks that have become more challenging to manage over time. Even when families have the best intentions, they may not have the time to provide the care their elderly loved ones need and deserve. If your loved one needs help for a few hours a day or a few days a week, reach out to Embrace In-Home Care, a trusted provider of respite care Green Valley seniors can depend on. To learn about our quality-assured services, give us a call at (520) 625-2050 today.