“Convincing Your Loved Ones to Accept In-home Care”

It should come as no surprise that most seniors want to remain in their own homes no matter what their care needs may be. The thought of having strangers in their home can be a terrifying thing. The problem begins when they do not recognize or refuse the need for assistance. This assistance may include bathing, dressing, transfers, cooking or simple household chores. How many times have your heard “I have been doing this for 70 something years and I’ll continue doing it for the next 70”? This scene plays out nearly every minute across the country.

I like to be empathetic to these situations. I try to place myself in their position. How would I feel losing part of my independence? How would I feel having my home invaded by strangers on a daily basis? These questions are easily answered. I would not like it for a second.

Is mom or dad becoming more forgetful? Are you afraid of specific safety risks? Are they forgetting to take their medications or taking to much medication? Are they leaving the stove on? Are they forgetting to eat regular meals? Can you honestly tell yourself that they are safe at home?

How can you convince mom or dad, or even both parents, to accept necessary in-home services. Sometimes you can’t. However, there are some things you can say that might make this an easier pill to swallow.

Let them know that you understand how invasive this is on their lives. Tell them that it is not forever. It is only until they are able to do things for themselves once more. Let them know you will be there for them. Let them know you are looking out for their safety. Search out the least intrusive services that will keep your loved ones safe at home. Prepare in advance for healthcare issues and options. If you are the caregiver for your parents understand that you are still a child in their eyes. Let them know that you will only do what is necessary to maintain their independence. Gradually increase assistance as needed.

For instance, if they have had a recent fall and were not able to get up maybe all that is required is a personal emergency response system. If they are unable to prepare a nutritious meal all that is needed are meals delivered to their home. If they are forgetting to take their medications at the appropriate times or taking them too frequently all that is needed is a medication management system.

People should be able to maintain their dignity and independence for as long as possible with the least amount of interruption in their lives. There are many solutions available today to maintain safety at home. The goal is to find the appropriate ones for your loved ones. Many home modifications can assist with moving from one place to another. These can assist with mobility, gait and balance. There are no perfect answers. There are no ways to completely eliminate the risk of falls aside from restraining loved ones in bed or chair.

Dan Fisher RN, BSN, CEO
A & D Home Health Solutions
www.adhomehealthsolutions.com