How to Start a Conversation about Home Care with your Aging Loved One

Starting a conversation about home care with an aging loved one can be challenging, but approaching it early and with compassion can ease concerns and highlight the benefits. IOA’s Corio Home Care program offers personalized support to help older adults maintain independence and enhance their quality of life at home, providing families with peace of mind and a proactive approach to care.

Life is a series of stages, and as a person progresses from one to another, it’s natural to have questions and concerns about what the next step might look and feel like. By opening up the conversation about home care early and openly, families can alleviate their worst fears and bring to light the many benefits of home care support.

After all, there’s nothing more precious in life than time spent with loved ones. Yet when the effects of aging make daily tasks difficult, or diagnoses like Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, or debilitating chronic conditions are confirmed, then an effective, timely home care plan is essential for families to navigate this new chapter.

Institute on Aging (IOA) created the Corio Home Care program to provide aging adults and their families with a viable alternative to assisted living facilities. By having a thorough initial assessment and creating a custom home care plan, IOA empowers people to maintain an independent lifestyle at home for as long as possible.

We know how difficult broaching this conversation with a loved one can be. However, by opening up this conversation early in an honest and dignified manner, drawing awareness to available options can help families gain peace of mind.

Creating a Positive Frame for the Conversation


There’s nothing more natural in life than receiving support from family and community. Some adults might initially resist the idea of supportive home care, but family members can overcome this hurdle by framing the conversation as an opportunity to continue and enhance a loved one’s current lifestyle.

These conversations require delicacy and a nuanced understanding of a loved one’s situation. Choose an appropriate time and place, somewhere familiar and quiet, and begin by asking a few simple questions like:

  • What routine tasks feel the most draining for you?
  • Where in your life do you feel like you’d benefit from having extra help?
  • Would you be open to receiving external support managing your weekly schedule and transportation?
  • What activities are most important for you to continue doing in the years to come?
  • What qualities are most important to you for a potential home care provider to have?

By involving your loved one in the decision from day one, they will be far more likely to be receptive to home care. Doing so early can help smoothen the transition to home care when framed as a supportive measure.

Preventative Practices for Better Results

Whether from the effects of aging or disability, the capacity for certain tasks can change over time. A similar quality of life can still be maintained, but often requires new support structures.

Corio Home Care is a supportive tool that relieves a person from engaging in potentially dangerous tasks such as climbing a ladder for housework or lifting heavy objects, while also  providing routine medication and appointment reminders. We ensure that the small but critical details of daily life are never overlooked and handled with care by our Corio home care workers, experienced and trained to help improve your quality of life.

IOA’s Corio Home Care program provides a helping hand by enhancing a person’s quality of life from the familiar comfort of home. Through personalized care, older adults can maintain an independent lifestyle for a longer period of time, remaining safe and engaged with their family and community. 

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Westyn Hinchey

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