Talking about senior homecare can be tough, but it must be done.
Image source: Flickr user Ulrich Joho
No one wants to admit theyโre less independent than they used to be. When I was a social services professional, the seniors in my care were always very reluctant to ask for help. Whether it was getting a glass or water or telling a nurse or aide they were in pain, many people would rather keep suffering to themselves than admit needing assistance โ even if declining to ask placed them in harmโs way. This is why, when senior home care becomes inevitable, itโs often a conversation that gets pushed asideย for months โ or even years.
But delaying such conversations can be downright dangerous for your elderly loved one. Denying them the home care they need โ or allowing them to continue without it โ can put them at risk for injury, illness, and deteriorating medical conditions โ including depression.
Wait for the right time
One quick tip is to approach the discussion of senior home care when your loved is calm, well-rested, and at a time that isย convenient for them. Theyโll be much more agreeable to listening to what you have to say, and wonโt automatically reject your suggestions because theyโre tired, in a bad mood, or about to watch their favorite television program.
Donโt be confrontational
Unless your senior loved one is suffering from Alzheimerโs, or some kind of cognitive impairment, itโs likely they are capable of making their own decisions โ both intellectually and legally. Therefore, it’s important to keep in mind thatย an arrangement such as home care cannot be forced on your loved one. However, in these situations, it can sometimes feel asย suchย to the senior.
This is why itโs so important not to be confrontational when bringing up senior home care. If your loved one repeatedly rejects the suggestion, avoidย saying things like, โBut you know itโs the right thing to do!โ or, โEven after all the reasons I listed, you still donโt think you need it?โ Simply accept their decision for now, and end with, โI appreciate you talking to me about this. I hope youโre open to talking about it in the future if things change, or if you change your mind.โ
Give the senior control
Phrases like, โItโs your decision,โ and, โWeโre just talking about possibilities,โ give the senior a sense of control over their future. Theyโre not left under the impression that someone else is taking over their life, leaving them with no choice in the matter. A sense of control is very important when it comes to deciding things like senior home care, because people are more likely to support and participate in ideasย they choose.
Donโt delay talking about senior home care
Remember โย ย no matter how independent a person is during their younger years โ we all need help at some point. Itโs best to start talking about senior home care earlier rather than later. This way, you may be able to avoid a situation in whichย the senior feels home care is being forced on them, rather than making the decision themselves. By broaching the subject with compassion and understanding, youโll allow your senior to feel a sense of ownership and hope regarding their future.
If you are unsure of how to best help an aging loved one, the trained and compassionate staff at the Institute on Aging is here to help you make that decision and gain the best in at-home senior care. Contact us to find out more.
