5 Tips on Handling the Tough Conversation about Home Care

The last thing you want is to see your senior loved one upset. However, you may also have serious concerns about your loved one’s ability to age in place safely and comfortably. For many seniors, living at home is a source of pride, and any mention of assistance may cause them to become uneasy. Since home care is often a difficult topic for families to discuss, you can use the following techniques to approach this discussion. 

1. Use a Recent Event as a Springboard

Sometimes the hardest part of any conversation is initiating it. If you keep having difficulty bringing up the topic, consider using a recent news story or event from your personal life to talk about it. For instance, you could mention you saw on the news that fall-related injuries among seniors are on the rise, or you could share a story about an elderly neighbor who loves his or her new home care companion. Using a recent event as a springboard can ease you into the conversation without having to point out negative things about your loved one’s situation.  Hiring professional in-home care is one of the best ways to ensure your loved one enjoys a high quality of life. Elder care experts are available to provide high-quality care to seniors on an as-needed basis. From assistance with mobility and exercise to providing transportation to the doctor’s office and social events, there are a variety of ways professional caregivers can help your aging loved one continue to live independently.

2. Get on the Same Page as Your Siblings

At first, your parent may be in denial about the need for help. For example, your loved one may feel as though his or her health is completely manageable when you fear it isn’t. Meet with your siblings and try to get them to see the reasons your parent needs home care. Having your siblings on your side gives you additional support if your loved one seems unconvinced after your first conversation. 

3. Reach Out to Your Loved One’s Medical Team

Your siblings are just one type of resource you have for making a difficult conversation easier. Physicians, nurses, and other trusted medical personnel may also be willing to advise your loved one to consider seeking home care services. Simply ask these individuals to talk to your parent about how a caregiver could boost his or her health. Your loved one may be more willing to listen to someone he or she considers to be an expert in the field of senior care. 

4. Turn It into a Gift

Let your parent know you want to help with some of his or her responsibilities. Arrange for a caregiver to help your loved one with housekeeping, meal preparation, and other daily tasks. Your parent may be so surprised that he or she will readily accept the help at home. 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 Irving seniors can depend on.

5. Suggest a Trial Period

Many things take some time to get used to, and home care falls into this category. A trial period may eliminate your loved one’s concerns about losing control or thinking he or she will need help forever. While your goal is to make the caregiver a permanent fixture around your loved one’s home, this option allows time to adjust to the new daily routine.  One of the most challenging tasks of helping an elderly relative age in place safely and comfortably is researching agencies that provide senior home care. Irving families can 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. Call one of our Care Managers at (817) 591-1580 to learn about our customized in-home care plans.