Families are about sticking together when things get rough. So when a loved one is injured, ill, or elderly and requires some level of care, family members need to participate in getting their loved one needed help.
In terms of elderly loved ones like parents or other relatives, this can be a hard sell. Many seniors want to remain independent as long as possible. In addition, they don’t want to be a burden to family members, financially or otherwise. This can make them resistant to the possibility of at home care associates, moving in with family members, or entering a care facility.
If you’re concerned about loved ones in need of care, you may be inclined to simply make decisions on their behalf. This is a mistake. If loved ones are resisting home care for some reason, you need to continue to treat them like the adults they are and discuss the situation. Here are a few tips to handle a loved one that is resistant to the possibility of receiving help.
Voice Your Concerns
This is always the place to begin. While a loved one may not be particularly receptive to the idea of moving to an assisted living facility or even at home instead senior care, it’s hard to argue with someone voicing love and concern.
Try not to get overly emotional or argumentative – simply list off the causes of your concern about your loved one. Perhaps there was a slip-and-fall incident that left your elderly parent unable to participate in normal, daily activities. Maybe you’ve started to notice worsening incidents of memory loss. It could be that your loved one no longer seems capable of cleaning the house, cooking regular and nutritious meals, or taking scheduled medications.
All of these warning signs may cause obvious concern on your part, and when you bring them up, the seriousness of the situation should resonate with your loved one. There’s no need for recriminations – just let the person know that you love them and you are concerned.
State Your Position
If you’re currently caring for your loved one, either in your own home or by traveling to theirs so that you are always there in home care, it can have a major impact on your life. This is especially difficult if you work outside the home and/or take care of children.
If you need help, say so. Your loved ones don’t want to be a source of stress for you or cause undue hardship, so they may be more willing to agree to assistance if you put it to them as a favor, something that they can do to make your life easier.
Discuss All Options
There are many options for assistance, depending on your loved one’s condition and the ongoing care required. In-home care staff may allow your loved one to stay at home and remain independent for longer, or you could move your loved one into your home so that you (and others) can provide care.
Assisted living facilities may also be an option, although at some point, certain conditions may require round-the-clock supervision and care at a specialized facility of some sort. These are all things to discuss with your loved one in order to come up with the best possible solution. You’ll want to make sure that your loved ones know they have a say in the outcome so they don’t feel railroaded and resist even more.
Espouse the Benefits
There are many potential benefits to receiving care at home Birmingham AL. Initially, loved ones may not feel comfortable having a stranger in the home, but compared to moving into an assisted living facility, such an option may be preferable.
Home care can allow loved ones to remain in their own home and maintain independence longer. It can help to assuage your safety concerns. Naturally, it can also make life a lot easier for a person that is injured, ill, or simply slowing down with age. Take the time to discuss all of the benefits to be gained from home care.
Compromise
Allowing some measure of control can only help you to ultimately arrange for the care your loved one requires. Do whatever you can to offer choices and compromise so that both you and your loved one can feel involved in the process and gain something positive from the decisions being made.
