Hold an Open Conversation
The best way to introduce in-home care to an aging loved one is to have an open conversation with them about the transition. Explain why a home caregiver is needed and what the associated health and wellbeing benefits are, from getting things done the way they want to increasing their freedom and empowering them to lead a productive life.
Notably, tell your loved one that the caregiver will assist you, not them, with housekeeping chores. As a result, they can feel that they are not the sole reason for the caregiver and thus may become more receptive to the idea.
While this may be an emotionally charged conversation, ensure you and your loved one stay calm. Explain that in-home care is for the best and that their safety and independence is paramount.
Listen to Their Reasons for Objecting
Your loved one has their reasons for not wanting a caregiver, including fear of losing independence, a threat to privacy, safety concerns, and feeling like a burden to the family. It would be best to listen to these reasons and fears and address them.
Use the Help of an Authority Figure
Since most seniors respect their doctors, let them know if their doctor prescribed in-home care to improve their health and wellbeing. If that does not work, ask their doctor to talk to them about the subject. Authority figures such as respected family members, religious leaders, and grandchildren can also help convince seniors to accept home care.
Present Homecare as a Temporary Scenario
A good way to get your loved one to accept in-home care is to tell them if it is a temporary arrangement that will end once they feel better. A senior may be more fearful of home care as a long-term solution and find it intimidating. After they become familiar with the in-home caregiver, you'll be able to retain the service more easily if they still need it after a while.
Let the Senior Choose
When introducing in-home care, establishing trust is fundamental. You can do this by allowing the senior to choose an in-home caregiver based on the traits they would like. This choice can give your loved one more autonomy in the process, and they can feel their opinion matters.
Consider having a meet-and-greet session with the prospective in-home caregivers. The senior can interact with them and choose the best one. Also, your loved one can ask any questions about the service and communicate what they would like. The prospects can also explain how they intend to benefit the senior.
Start Gradually
Like with everything new, your loved one needs time to get accustomed to the idea of having a home care provider. Therefore, start the process slowly and make changes with time to foster the transition. Let the caregiver start by coming a couple of hours a week to perform less personal tasks, and then increase the hours and tasks as your loved one gets used to the person.
While in-home care is a sensitive topic that most seniors object to, the tips above can make your loved one more comfortable and accepting of the idea. Contact
Redi-Nurse
for genuine, heartfelt and professional in-home care. Our licensed nurses, therapists, and social workers offer excellent in-home care for your loved one, promoting dignity, respect, and wellbeing.
