For a large number of people, admitting that they need help can be incredibly difficult. After a lifetime of doing things themselves, working for themselves, and managing all of the daily chores and responsibilities that occur, it’s understandable that someone wouldn’t want to give up control of certain things in their life. However, help is essential when it comes to senior citizens who are healthy enough to remain at home but require some assistance in order to remain safe in their home.
At Collier Home Care, our team offers compassionate in-home health care services in Naples, FL. We have worked with a variety of elderly clients who have a variety of needs, from help with laundry and household chores to medical care and assistance. We know that going from living alone and taking care of everything on their own to needing in-home care can be difficult at first, but in most cases, the benefits far outweigh the negatives.
Here Are Some Tips On How To Help Your Senior Loved One Accept And Adjust To Needing In-Home Health Care.
Assess The Need
The first thing to consider is that there are so many different levels of care available. One person may need a simple weekly visit to ensure that laundry is taken care of, that they have the food they need, and that nothing serious has occurred, while another person may need overnight health care and visits during the day. When an elderly person understands that having in-home health care doesn’t necessarily mean that their whole lives will be overturned, it can be easier to accept.
Practice Empathy
Take some time to really think about what this situation must be like for them, what they’re thinking and feeling. It’s natural for people to not want things to change, and it can be even more difficult when their abilities have changed gradually and they may not be fully aware of what they need. By seeing the situation from their point of view, you can begin to understand what approach will help them realize their needs. When talking about needing home health care, try to remain positive and patient.
Ask Them About Their Fears
If you have an open relationship with your senior loved one, it may be as simple as asking them what they think and feel about the situation. It may be that they think accepting in-home care is a step towards moving into a nursing home, they may not want to give up control of household chores, they may not want to have someone telling them what to do, or someone to stand over their shoulders all the time. Whatever their fears are, just focus on the positives of home care. For many, hiring an aide or nurse actually allows seniors the opportunity to remain in their home for longer.
Include Them In Decision-Making And Planning
If you’re researching home healthcare agencies, if you’re interviewing different aides, or if you’re planning a schedule, including them in these decisions can help relieve their fears and provide some comfort in knowing what to expect when the change does take place. For companion care, it’s very important that the aide connects with your loved one.
Make It About You
This may seem counterintuitive, but shifting the focus to your needs rather than your loved one’s needs can help soften the blow. You can express your desire to spend more time with your loved one when you visit, rather than working on household chores; you can tell them that you are worried about them and that home care would make it easier on you.
Accepting and adjusting to needing in-home care is undoubtedly difficult, but it’s important for everyone to focus on the benefits of the situation. A senior loved one can still remain in control of various things in their life, while getting the help they need to remain healthy and safe in their home.
If you have an elderly loved one who could benefit from companion care or skilled nursing, get in touch with the team at Collier Home Care. We offer a range of services and can customize what we offer to fit your needs and budget. Above all, we care about the happiness and wellbeing of your family.