Talking to your parents about starting home care services can be uncomfortable. However, it’s a conversation that can significantly impact their well-being, comfort, and safety. Join us as we share our top 5 tips for starting this conversation.
It is difficult to watch your parents transition from taking care of you to relying on you for their care. While we try to fill this role for as long as possible, sometimes the best solution for everyone involved is to integrate home care services. Whether their memory, physical ability, or health decline, home care services can alleviate your stress and improve their well-being. From friendly visits from our Neighbors Program Advocates, companion care and medication reminders, to hands-on personal care for activities of daily living, transportation support, meal preparation, and general house work, these services provide extra care without sacrificing your loved one’s independence.
If an assisted living facility might be in the future, starting home care services early can help ease your parents into the idea. Many parents might be hesitant about home care services despite the many benefits. It can be frightening for older adults to admit they need more help. Instead of taking away their decision, you should involve them in the process.
Approaching the conversation correctly and at the right time is crucial. Let us guide you on how to initiate these important discussions with your parents about starting home care services. Here are our top five tips to keep in mind before you start the conversation:
-
Start with your feelings.
When you find the right time to have this conversation with your parents, start by sharing how you have been feeling leading up to it. Be gentle and sensitive, as aging can be hard to swallow. Avoid making them feel like they have been a burden in any way. Instead, express how much you have enjoyed spending more time with them and helping with daily tasks, but also share your concerns when you are not around the house.
Rather than listing what they can’t do, focus on your desire to make their days easier and safer. Refrain from anything that might come off as condescending or pointing out flaws.
-
Focus on the advantages.
Depending on the type of home care services you are considering, you can discuss the many benefits of both lifestyles. Mention how having extra hands to help with chores or prepare meals can alleviate stress and make daily life more accessible for everyone. Remind them that they wouldn’t have to worry about medication schedules since a caregiver would ensure they stay on track.
They would also gain a new friend to spend time with. Most importantly, they wouldn’t have to move into a facility but could stay comfortably at home. Home care is the best option for cost, providing one-on-one care and helping you feel more relaxed about your loved one’s well-being.
-
Listen and understand.
After you finish speaking, take the time to listen to their response and understand how they are processing the information. Remember that they might feel like losing a significant part of their independence. It’s normal for them to feel hesitant and resistant, as it’s a big step from handling everything independently to inviting a professional for help. They might also feel inadequate or incapable of caring for themselves, which can be frightening. Be empathetic and understanding of the complex emotions this conversation may evoke.
Reassure them that accepting help does not mean losing their independence. It will help them maintain it by allowing them to stay in their own home, stay healthy enough to do specific tasks independently, and have someone check in on them when needed.
-
Accept that it might require multiple conversations.
Since this is an extensive conversation, understand that it might require more than one discussion to convince them that this is the right decision for them. Once you notice they might need extra help around the house, you can casually mention the idea to gauge their thoughts. Ask them about their opinions, fears, and how home care could help them. Address any doubts they might have.
Having this open conversation early in their stay will make it much easier to have a serious decision-making conversation later. This approach will make them feel included and not caught off guard by the idea.
-
Explore home care services together.
Explore different home care options together to ensure you are on the same page and help them feel they still have their independence. Including them in the process can help them be more open and cooperative with the potential caregiver. They know their preferences, which will help narrow down the best solutions for them.
Let them review the home care service options and discuss what they think would be most helpful. Then, you can meet with the home care company before making any decisions to ensure your parents are comfortable and happy with the choice.
Home Care Services in Northern VA | Paragon Home Care
Paragon Home Care is a trusted provider of personal and companion care services for senior citizens in Northern Virginia since 2013. Our mission demonstrates our passion for helping others and delivering consistent, reliable care. We inspire independence and comfort while ensuring each senior has a caregiver who perfectly fits their needs.
We serve our Northern Virginia community through various services, including Personal and Companion Care, Care Management, and Medical Director Services for Home Care, as well as Transportation Assistance and our Paragon Neighbors Program.
If you’re interested in starting with Paragon Home Care, don’t hesitate to call us at (703) 942-8950 or contact us to schedule a complimentary assessment. In conclusion, we look forward to serving you and your loved ones with both excellence and compassion.