Getting into a conflict with your senior loved one about home care is upsetting, but there are things you can do to change his or her mind. Many seniors are initially resistant to having professional home care simply because they’re used to living independently or prefer to have things done a certain way. If you’ve hit a roadblock with your loved one on this important issue, give these five ideas a try. Most likely, you can reach an agreement that makes everyone happy.
1. Use Positive Language
Conversations often come to a standstill once negative language enters the picture. Try to avoid using statements that involve telling your loved one about everything that’s wrong in his or her home. For instance, you might want to avoid mentioning the piles of dishes in the sink or your loved one’s tendency to skip meals. Instead, talk about the good things home caregivers can do, such as keeping your loved one company while doing household chores.
Every senior has different needs when aging in place. Some simply need occasional assistance with household chores, while others may be managing serious illnesses and require more extensive live-in care. Livingston seniors can count on Assisting Hands Home Care to provide the in-home care they need and deserve.
2. Appeal to Your Loved One’s Desire to Please
Your loved one may be the type who doesn’t like a lot of fussing over his or her wellbeing. In this case, your loved one may brush off the need for home care simply because he or she likes to do things independently. Consider letting your loved one know hiring a caregiver will take some of the burden off your shoulders. If your loved one is a parent or close family member, he or she may accept help simply because it makes your life easier.
3. Start Simple
Misconceptions about home care still exist, and these may be driving your loved one’s decision-making. If your loved one is still able to live fairly independently, use this to his or her advantage by hiring a caregiver to only handle one or two things. Seniors are often more willing to try out a service such as housekeeping first. Later, you can add new services as your loved one’s acceptance increases.
Home care service agencies can be a great boon to seniors. With the help of the caregivers at Assisting Hands Home Care, your aging loved one can lead a happier and healthier life. Our caregivers encourage seniors to eat nutritious foods, exercise and socialize regularly, and focus on other lifestyle factors that increase life expectancy.
4. Let Your Loved One Call the Shots
Seniors who are involved in the selection of their caregivers tend to feel more secure about these professionals coming into their homes. Your loved one might also prefer to pick out the room where an overnight caregiver could stay. Once your loved one sees he or she is able to tailor the home care experience to meet his or her preferences, he or she may relax about the idea.
5. Get Others Involved
Your loved one might be resistant to accepting your advice simply because he or she feels you’re the only one who thinks he or she needs help. While you don’t want to make your loved one feel ganged up on, bringing in other people’s opinions can make it clear there are serious concerns. Look for people in your loved one’s life he or she trusts. A doctor, clergy member, or even a best friend could talk to your loved one about the need for home care.
Many seniors prefer aging in place over moving to assisted living facilities. If your senior loved one needs assistance to remain safe and comfortable while living at home, reach out to Assisting Hands Home Care, a leading Livingston home care agency. Our dedicated in-home caregivers can assist with meal prep, bathing and grooming, exercise, medication reminders, and many other important tasks. Call (973) 406-4733 today to speak with a friendly and experienced Care Manager to formulate a home care plan for your loved one.
