Talking to a Resistant Elder on Receiving Home Care

Home Care in Robbinsville NJ

There may be some worrisome behavior you have begun to notice about your elderly parent. Maybe they have started forgetting to go to their appointments or have not been taking care of their Home-Care-in-Robbinsville-NCpersonal appearance as much as they used to. Whatever red flags you may have noticed, one thing is for certain. Your aging loved one is in need of a home care provider.

It can be concerning to see your loved one unable to care for themselves, but having a professional caregiver will help the elder get the care and help they need. However, what do you do if they are resisting the help of others? Many seniors have a hard time accepting that they need help, causing them to become defiant to this new change in their life. But there are some things you can do to help, beginning with simply talking to them.

How to Talk to an Elder About Receiving Home Care

  • Find out their reason behind their resistance. Knowing the real reason why your loved one does not want care will help you understand where they are coming from. They could be upset because they are no longer able to fulfill their responsibilities as easily as they used to. Or maybe they are still grieving over the loss of their spouse or loved one. Whatever the reason, dig deep to uncover their real reason behind their resistant behavior.
  • Communicate your own concerns. Let your parent know that you understand their concerns, but you also have concerns of your own. You could say something like, “I am worried about you because I do not think you are getting everything you need.” While having this discussion with them, avoid blaming or accusing them. This will only cause them to dig their heels in even further, becoming even more upset over the thought of hiring an in-home care provider.
  • Let them help in making this decision. The senior may need help, but this is a decision you need to let them make on their own unless there is a reason they are unable to make these decisions. You can give them your suggestions and ideas, but ultimately they will need to make this choice for their life on their own.
  • Ask for help. If your elderly parent is resisting your suggestions, maybe they will listen to the advice and recommendations of others. Do you have family members or friends who have had experience with a senior care provider? If so, let them talk to the elder about their experience and how these professionals helped them. You may also want to have someone from a home care agency talk to your loved one.

Making the step from living alone to needing help is a difficult one for many seniors and their family members to accept. With these tips, you should be able to get your loved one to see where you are coming from and why a home care provider may be needed.

If you or an aging loved one are considering hiring home care in Robbinsville, NJ or the surrounding areas, please call Independence Home Care today at 609-208-1111 for more information.

Source:  http://www.helpguide.org/articles/senior-housing/home-care-services-for-seniors.htm#worried

Teresa Sajkowski RN BSN CHPN

Teresa Sajkowski RN BSN CHPN

Owner of Always Responsive Home Care

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Home Care in Robbinsville NJ