Learn our top tips on how to talk to your loved one about hiring a caregiver
While it is not uncommon for older adults to need in-home care services for seniors, as 65% of people over the age of 65 need some degree of home care in their lifetime, it is still a sensitive topic for many seniors and their families. [1]
Many seniors may be reluctant to the idea of in-home care, but it may be a necessity for your aging loved one. Continue reading to learn how to help seniors understand why in-home care can improve their quality of life.
Start slowly
Your aging loved one may need time to get used to the idea of having someone coming in to help them with tasks and chores.
This transition may be easier for them if you have the caregiver start by just coming a few hours a week and focus on less personal tasks, such as light housekeeping and meal preparation.
This will allow your loved one to get to know their caregiver and become more comfortable with the idea of them being around and helping them on a regular basis. Your aging relative then will likely be more interested in having the caregiver coming for more hours and assisting with more tasks.
Read more:
Where’s the best place to find an in-home caregiver for my aging parent?
Listen to their fears and reservations about home care
Many seniors feel ashamed or insulted at the idea of receiving in-home care. They feel as if they are losing their freedom and independence, and this can be very difficult for them to come to terms with.
It’s important that you try to understand their feelings and worries about home care. This will help you address those fears to put their mind at ease. Knowing that their opinion has been heard will also likely make them more willing to accept in-home care.
Involve them in the decision making process
Your loved one may be more accepting of in-home care if they feel they are involved in the decision making process.
Be sure to ask them what their priorities are and assure them that you can find the right caregiver who can meet their needs and personality.
Research agencies that specialize in in-home care services for seniors and show them their websites and social media, so that they can see their values and mission statements. This can help them decide which agency they feel best aligns with their values and what they’re looking for in a caregiver.
Before you begin meeting with potential caregivers, ask your loved one if there are any questions they would like for you to ask or any concerns they want you to discuss. They may not want to ask the caregiver themselves, and it may make it easier for them if you ask.
Read more:
How to choose the best home care in Orlando
Tell them your reasons for wanting in-home care for them
Many seniors feel embarrassed that they need in-home care. To help remove this shame and embarrassment, tell them that the caregiver is there to help with day to day tasks.
Let your loved one know that the caregiver is there to help with house chores, cleaning, and cooking. When in-home care is phrased this way, your loved one feels like the caregiver is there to assist the whole family and doesn’t single them out or make them feel like a burden.
As the caregiver comes more frequently, they will grow to be more comfortable with receiving help with other tasks, such as medication reminders and personal care services.
Looking for a caregiver for your loved one?
At Flourish in Place, we offer home care options for all needs and budgets and specialize in helping families in Central Florida find the appropriate level of care for their loved ones.
Our Flourish in Place caregivers are dedicated to helping aging adults with everyday activities while enjoying the freedom of being in their own home.
We offer a wide variety of specialized services, including cooking and serving nutritious meals, companionship and support, light housekeeping, medication reminders, and dementia care.
Our caregivers have multiple years of professional experience and many hours of specialized education and training from an experienced registered nurse. Our caregivers are also required to complete regular ongoing training to ensure they’re providing the highest quality care to our clients.
To learn more, please request your Free Consultation today!
Sources:
1: Administration for Community Living | How Much Care Will You Need?
