It’s hard to suddenly introduce in home care into the life of seniors. Oftentimes it’s too difficult for seniors to admit they need assistance because it feels like they are giving away their independence. It is actually very difficult and uncomfortable to properly introduce the topic to seniors for the first time.
Did you ever find yourself in this position?
Family and friends may realize that assistance is necessary before the senior themselves realizes or admits it. We suggest the following tips to help seniors become more comfortable with the idea of home care services.
Emphasize the Increase in Senior Independence
- Seniors have experienced some change to their lifestyle as they’ve aged over the years, even if they don’t want to admit it. For example, they may be too weak to go outside alone for walks because they may fear falling.
- It’s important to explain to them that home services could positively change their lifestyle because it will allow them to get more things done the way they’d like to. Let them know specifically how their life will be affected and how they are going to have more independence with a caregiver around to help.
Let Seniors Choose
- Seniors should understand that they have the authority to choose who will be helping them and what the caregiver will be doing while they are in their home.
- Seniors should have a meet and greet with prospective caregivers so that they can choose the best person that they feel comfortable with.
- This will allow seniors to ask more questions about the services and communicate their expectations with their family and caregiver. What questions to ask a caregiver? That depends, but you can start by asking him about how they plan to ensure a healthy living for a senior
- If seniors are still reluctant to start home services then they can experience having a caregiver for a trial period. This will give them the opportunity to get comfortable with a caregiver and realize the positive effect on their lifestyle.
- After hiring a caregiver, circumstances or expectations may change so the senior should know that they still have control over who they want as a caregiver and that they can change that at any time.
Get a Different Opinion
- If seniors don’t initially listen to the suggestions of hiring a caregiver then it may help to hear it from someone with a different perspective.
- Seniors may respond better to home care if it comes from a different person depending on that person’s role in their life. Sometimes they need someone who has more influence over their decisions to inform them about their need for assistance: hearing it from a friend or a doctor as opposed to a family member can help.
- It’s important to understand who the influential people in the seniors life are such as respected family members and even young grandchildren. They may also take authority figures more seriously including doctors and religious leaders.
The benefits of home care are numerous. Encouraging a senior that home care is right for them can be challenging. At the end of the day the process of easing an individual/loved one into care within the home is different on a case-by-case basis. Be patient, be supportive, and always lead with their best interest in mind.
