3 Expert Tips On How To Talking To Parents About Homecare
Getting elderly parents to accept that in-home care is necessary is a struggle for many families.
How am I going to tell Mum that she needs someone to make sure she gets up and out of bed safely each day, and to help with her medications? How am I going to tell Dad that he would be happier with a companion during the day and someone to take him shopping?
Few adults will admit they need help, even when they are struggling. Often they fear they will become a burden on someone else, or completely lose their independence. This can become a difficult to discuss topic that can lead to arguments when brought up.
Tip 1: Don’t say “you need a Caregiver”.
This is one of the best tips which we have used with our own parents. Don’t tell your parents that they need a caregiver to monitor or assist them. Instead, explain that they have reached a point in their lives where they deserve a personal assistant to help make life easier. A successful way to explain this is to us an example from the working world. For example, in an office, an assistant helps with everyday tasks for example.
Tip 2: Include your parents in the decision making process.
Your parent will be the one spending the most time with the Caregiver, so it is important that both of their personalities, interests, and hobbies are a strong match. At Home Instead we personally visit our clients to understand them as a person; their interests, hobbies, and what sort of caring person they are looking for. We then carefully match them with one of our many CAREGivers who would be a strong fit. Allowing your parents to express their own interests and thoughts means that they will be more likely to welcome their CAREGiver into their lives.
Tip 3: Ensure a long term Caregiver relationship.
Now you’ve completed the challenging job of helping your parent accept they need some extra care, it’s important that they create a long-term relationship with their Caregivers. Having a constant revolving door of Caregivers won’t benefit you or your parent! Knowing a familiar face is coming each day makes such a difference to an elderly person’s mood. Hiring the right care professional can be a lifesaver (and a sanity saver). Home Instead is the UK’s leading home care provider, supporting elderly parents in their own homes so they can continue to live happily and independently.
Contact Home Instead today at 0208
871 0006 to discuss your individual care needs and arrange a free, no-obligation care consultation. It could be the best call you make for your parents.
