June 18, 2015
Loss of independence, freedom and control tops the list of concerns when it comes to bringing a caregiver into the home, and it’s natural for seniors to balk at the idea, at least initially. And if the conversation isn’t broached correctly, heels can dig in even further. If you’re finding yourself at an impasse when discussing the need for home care with your elderly parents, trying these tips can help.
How to Introduce Home Care
- Rule out cognitive function issues first. As people age, it’s common to experience decreased brain function that can affect logical decision-making. Cognitive impairment can sometimes be reversed (as in the case of delirium from an illness or hospitalization, malnutrition from a poor diet, or depression). Or, there may be an underlying problem such as Alzheimer’s or dementia. If cognitive problems are suspected, get help from the physician.
- Listen to, consider, and validate your parents’ perspective. Emotions can run high when it comes to debating the need for help. Utilize active listening so that everyone involved in the conversation knows that they’ve been heard. Having a mediator, such as a therapist or facilitator or a geriatric care manager, can also help keep the discussion moving and productive.
- Discuss goals, and try to compromise. Common goals of aging parents include staying at home as long as possible, staying in control of their daily lives, maintaining quality relationships with loved ones, and keeping pain and suffering to a minimum. Surprisingly, safety may not be a top priority, especially if it conflicts with independence. Compromising may be necessary to come to decisions that are acceptable to both you and your parents. The important thing is to validate what is most important to the aging parent first, and try to accommodate for that. It may not be the same priority for all.
- Separate your needs from those of your parents. While difficult to admit, sometimes our intentions for our parents stem from an underlying issue, such as guilt, sibling conflict, a need for control, or simply fear of the many unknowns that occur as our parents age. Create a list of your own fears and wishes about your parents, and then try to address those while honoring your parents’ goals as well.
Read the full article from Next Avenue for more tips on helping your senior parents accept the need for help as they age.
When you’re ready to take the next step and introduce home care management services into your loved one’s life, contact Continuum for senior care in St. Louis and nearby areas. From meal preparation and light housekeeping to skilled nursing care and much more, top-quality care is guaranteed. Call 314-863-9912 or 636-861-3336 to get started.