How To Handle Resistance To In-Home Care From Your Loved One

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It can be challenging for senior citizens to accept help, even when they truly need it. They believe it means they have to give up their independence and accept that they are entering a new phase in life. Even if you are coming from a place of concern, it is possible your senior loved one may not initially respond well to the idea of having an in-home care service visit them. However, there are some tactics you can use to help warm your loved one up to the idea of having help in their home:

Bring Up the Topic at a Good Time

Timing is everything when it comes to discussing the idea of having a home health care service visit. Never bring up the idea during a time of stress or when they are unfocused. If your loved one is busy with something or their mind is on a specific task, that is not the time to broach the subject of in-home care. Instead, pick a time when everyone is available to talk at length about the topic. Everyone should be calm and relaxed and ready to discuss the pros and cons of having in-home healthcare for your loved one.

Be Positive

If your loved one is resistant to the idea of having an in-home healthcare service, try to talk about the pros of the situation. Let your loved one know that they will still have their independence, but just have some extra help a few times a week. The goal of the in-home care provider is to make sure the patients have everything they need, are healthy and happy, and are there to help them in any way they need.

Listen to Your Loved One's Perspective

Any independent person does not want to be told what to do or how to live. Even if you know that will not happen with an in-home care service, hear them out. Listen to how they feel. They may perceive that this is the first step to losing their dignity. Do not be dismissive. This opens the door for you all to discuss all the aspects of in-home care and what can be expected from all parties. You can try to explain that this is a team effort with the goal being their health and happiness.

If you are considering in-home care for your elderly loved one, reach out to a provider near you. They will be happy to talk about the process and answer any questions you may have.

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20 May 2022

home care aids for more than just the elderly

In the past, when I thought about home health care, I pictured an elderly man or woman stuck in bed just waiting to take his or her final breath. What I have recently learned is that there are people of all ages that can benefit from home health care specialists. When my niece was diagnosed with a rare liver disorder, our family rallied and did everything possible to make the new way of life as easy for my sister as possible. We spent hours over at her house helping with the baby, but then, my sister said she didn't need us as much --She had hired a home care aid. I hope this helps you in the future.