According to a recent AARP survey, three-out-of-four Americans aged 65+ want to continue living in their current homes for as long as possible. And although many aging in place seniors are proud and self-sufficient, the stark reality is that most will eventually need at least some in-home assistance to maintain their independent lifestyle.
On the other hand, convincing an elderly loved one to accept home care can be challenging and stressful. What follows are several reliable ways to overcome their objections.
Why Do Seniors Oppose In-Home Care?
For reasons like pride, privacy and denial, many seniors are hesitant to allow someone else to take care of them. Most are used to managing their own household and finances, while others reject outside assistance because they don’t want a “stranger in the home.
Unfortunately, if your aging loved one is like most they will eventually need help with activities of daily living (ADLs) like bathing, dressing and toileting. When placed in that position, if there aren’t any friends, relatives or family members living nearby professional home care becomes their best option.
Getting Your Loved One to Say “Yes”
Depending on your loved one’s frame of mind, it could take a while for them to warm up to idea of home care. Use a persistent-yet-respectful tone whenever speaking to them about the topic. In most cases you’ll eventually have success by taking this approach:
Share your concerns
Start the discussion early on by respectfully pointing out what you’ve observed. For example, say something like: “Mom, I know that dad paid the bills. Now that he’s gone, could you use some help managing your bank accounts?”.
While in your loved one’s home look for any “red flags” that may indicate they need assistance, like piles of dirty laundry, an empty fridge or unfilled medication prescriptions. Offer to pitch in, but don’t take it personally if they refuse your support at first.
Involve trusted outsiders
If your loved one is a relative, ask other family members to share their concerns. Sometimes hearing the same message from several trusted people will make a difference. For example, try approaching mom or dad as a group while in a non-threatening setting like a birthday party or picnic.
Other trusted “outsiders” that your senior may listen to include religious leaders, financial advisors or elderly neighbors that have benefitted from home care. Once your loved one starts warming up to the idea, a geriatric care manager can also suggest ways to keep them at home after doing a full assessment of their health records and living conditions.
Discuss the benefits
Once your loved one is receptive to accepting assistance, for example prior to being discharged from the hospital, that’s a good time to discuss the benefits of having their very own “personal assistant”.
When dad is complaining about being lonely, mention how much having a companion around for a few hours every week might cheer her up. If your loved one is still hesitant about allowing a “stranger” in their home, ask if they would be open to scheduling one-on-one meetings with some personal assistant candidates from licensed home care agencies.
Volunteer to be at the screening sessions and then bring along a list of questions to ask each potential caregiver so that there are no surprises if-and-when they are hired.
An Extended Family in Your Loved One’s Home
Convincing an elderly loved one that they need help around the home isn’t easy. Once you do, contact New Wave Home Care and we’ll handle the rest. As a fully licensed home care provider our unique approach is all about compassion and connection, delivered with a personal touch so that our clients can experience a degree of joy. While serving as an extended family in the home, our professionals go above-and-beyond in their dedication to providing care for others, while making a difference in the lives of those we serve.
We support clients and their families with personalized in-home care solutions like personal care, transitional care, specialized care, respite care, medication reminders, dementia and Alzheimer’s care, hospice support and more. At New Wave Home Care, it’s not just about caregiving. It’s about heart! To learn more about our flexible programs and affordable rates, or to set up a FREE in-home assessment for a senior in the greater Los Angeles area, please visit us at now: www.newwavehomecare.com!
