By nature, most people are independent and want to take care of themselves. Seniors are no exception. But there comes a point in many seniors’ lives, especially if they are living alone, where professional care is needed—even when you or other family members may be pitching in to help.
Long-term care facilities are an option for some, but others prefer to remain at home or may not need the round-the-clock care that a nursing home or assisted living facility provides. That’s where Centers Choice Home Care can come in to bridge that gap you’re looking for.
If you’re trying to find a way to start that conversation with a loved one, here are four tips on approaching in-home care for seniors.
- Treat Them and the Conversation With Respect
Remember that the conversation you are looking to have is a life-changing one for them. A senior may think that their independence is coming to an end or that they are being a burden for a loved one. Think of how you would want to have this topic broached if you were in their shoes, and then proceed. Treat them as an adult and do not use patronizing speech.
- Speak With Their Doctor Beforehand
Your loved one’s doctor may be able to shed some light on your concerns and also be a valuable source that you can bring up when you talk about this topic. It may help the senior realize that this isn’t just your opinion but is something the doctor also thinks is a good idea for their overall well-being.
- Pick the Right Time
Have this conversation when your senior loved one is well-rested, well-fed, in good spirits, and at a time when they aren’t trying to do something else. We’re all more to apt to reject suggestions we don’t like as an defense mechanism if we’re not feeling at our best.
- Give the Senior Control
Instead of focusing on how they need help, you can frame the discussion as a way of home health care helping you, the primary caregiver, as well. Professional home care can help seniors age in place as per their wishes and prevent things from occurring that could force that person to enter a long-term care facility for their ongoing needs. Presenting the case in this way and then ending the discussion on how “it’s your decision” or leaving it open-ended like “we’re just talking about possibilities,” allows the senior to feel like they have some control over their future and you’re not forcing them into something they don’t want to do.
To learn more about Centers Choice Home Care and all of the services they offer, visit http://www.centerschoice.com
