Many seniors develop age-related conditions that make it difficult to accomplish the tasks of daily living and maintain their independence. If you have noticed changes in your elderly loved one’s health that indicate the need for home care, it may be time to discuss this sensitive topic with him or her. The Anchorage caregivers at Home Care Assistance have a few suggestions to help you approach this situation.
Start by Educating Yourself
You likely realize talking to your loved one about home care Anchorage may be difficult. One of the best ways to steer clear of major emotional roadblocks is to have all the facts with you when you first speak with him or her. Your loved one might be more receptive to the idea if he or she is presented with clear information about how the transition works, what exactly a caregiver does, and what the final costs might be.
Enlist the Help of Family and Friends
The initial conversation might be easier if only you and your loved one are present, but you can still get advice from other friends and family members. After you have the first conversation, your loved one might want to speak with these other people as well, and it is important for everyone to be on the same page. Your family might also be able to give you some ideas of where and when the conversation should take place.
Find an Outlet for Your Own Feelings
This transition may be very stressful for your loved one, and those emotions need to stay out of the conversation if you want to get your point across. If you happen to be having a difficult day and are especially emotional, you should consider rescheduling the talk for another time. Your loved one is sure to notice you are angry or exasperated, which can set the tone for the rest of the conversation.
Let Your Loved One Decide
After you have done your research, broached the subject, and laid out all the facts, you then need to realize this is ultimately not your decision. Unless your loved one’s health is putting him or her in immediate danger, he or she has the right to refuse help. Continue supporting your loved one and give him or her time to come around to your suggestion.
Though the transition into receiving home care can be difficult for many seniors, the caregivers at Home Care Assistance are here to ensure your loved one maintains a high quality of life. We offer part-time and live-in care services as well as comprehensive Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, and stroke care Anchorage seniors and their families can rely on. For more information and to schedule a free consultation with a Care Manager, call (907) 770-0907 today.