Approaching the Topic of Home Care with an Aging Loved One
By Home Care Assistance Des Moines 9 am on
Though some seniors, especially those with serious health conditions, eventually need some form of assistance around the home, many still dread the possibility. How do you approach a senior loved one who may soon need home care and alleviate his or her fears? Here are a few suggestions for speaking to your loved one about in-home care.
Begin the Conversation Early
When possible, talk with your loved one about home care before a crisis occurs. This can make the conversation and the transition go more smoothly. When your loved one first begins exhibiting signs of needing help, it’s time to talk with him or her before any problems progress. Some of these signs may include:
Forgetting to take medications, turn off the stove, or lock the door
A diminished appetite due to forgetting to eat or being unable to cook
Problems with bathing or dressing
One of the most challenging tasks of helping an elderly relative age in place safely and comfortably is researching agencies that provide homecare services.Turn to Home Care Assistance for reliable, high-quality in-home care for aging adults. We offer 24-hour live-in care for seniors who require extensive assistance, and we also offer respite care for family caregivers who need a break from their caregiving duties.
Focus on the Positive
Home care doesn’t mean seniors lose all their independence. Rather, your loved one will be able to get personalized care in the areas he or she needs it most. Many seniors who face the prospect of home care may act angry due to fears about losing control over their own lives. Centering the conversation on exactly what a caregiver will assist with and what your loved one will still be able to do independently can help your loved one maintain dignity throughout the transition. 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 Home Care Assistance, a trusted provider of respite care Des Moines seniors can depend on.
Respond with Empathy
Listen to your loved one and respond to any concerns with empathy. During the conversation, let your loved one know how much you care about his or her quality of life. Some studies show 55 percent of seniors worry about being a burden to their families, but you can ease your loved one’s fears by being empathetic to his or her feelings.
Choose a Good Time and Place
Mornings are often better for the elderly, especially those who may be in the beginning stages of Alzheimer’s disease or another form of age-related dementia. Set aside plenty of time for the conversation, and make sure it’s at the best time of day for your loved one and it takes place in a comfortable setting. Having the conversation in an unfamiliar place, such as a restaurant, may upset your loved one further. Hiring a compassionate professional in-home caregiver is one of the best ways to ensure your loved one enjoys a high quality of life. Seniors can face a variety of challenges as they age, many of which can be mitigated with the help of professional in-home caregivers who provide high-quality senior home care. Des Moines families trust Home Care Assistance to help their elderly loved ones age in place safely and comfortably. Call one of our friendly Care Managers at (515) 264-2438 to learn about ways our experienced caregivers can help your loved one.
