How to talk to your parents about home-based aged care
As we age, we fight the changes in our life and in our abilities to continue as we had always done before. Starting the conversation about receiving in-home care may be uncomfortable, but t’s a conversation that’s better to be had early rather than late.
As we age, we fight the changes in our life and in our abilities to continue as we had always done before. While seniors tend to have extensive knowledge and wisdom on an abundance of topics from love to home handiwork, you may notice your loved ones are not coping as well as they had before with everyday tasks.
It may start out small, such as the lawn not being mowed, the laundry basket overflowing or the house becoming dusty. These are signs your parent or loved one may not be finding these simple tasks as easy as they once did.
Early indicators that they need additional help could include missed social events or avoiding chores. You may also notice they are asking for your help more and more, indicating they may require assistance.
Starting the conversation about receiving in-home care may be uncomfortable, but t’s a conversation that’s better to be had early rather than late. Home care does not need to be a full-service commitment or even a long-term commitment. It could be just a couple of hours a week running errands or giving the house a tidy up.
By starting the conversation early, you leave room to table the discussion for a little while if it creates tension or is difficult for them to accept. They have time to mull over how the help could be a weight off their shoulders as they go on day by day with those same struggles. It’s important not to force them into accepting home care and always be mindful of their feelings and concerns.
For most of us, our parents have been a strong force within our lives and have been fiercely independent for many decades. Accepting they need help in the home can be akin to accepting they are getting older and reaching that stage in life. A difficult thing for anyone to come to terms with.
Validating your parent’s concerns is crucial to showing you empathise with them. It is important that you understand where your parents are coming from. The thought of losing their independence can be a scary prospect. Even more so if there is a stranger coming into their home.
Explain that having the extra care at home will actually enable them to maintain independence and stay in their home for longer. Remember, the conversation should be about how in-home care can support them, keep the conversation focused on them rather than yourself.
It can also help to normalise the conversation by using examples of people they know. For example, if a friend or neighbour has a house cleaner or gardener, ask them if that’s something that they would also find helpful.
We understand that getting started is the most difficult step. It can be daunting to hold that first conversation and start making preparations. At Home Nursing Group we don’t just offer great value, we offer great values. Our entire organisation has been built on a set of core values.
Trust. Respect. Empathy. Accountability. Teamwork. They are how we treat our clients, their families and loved ones, and how we treat each other. And they represent the beliefs and ethics of the entire team.
If someone you know is ready to seek support, reach out to our friendly team to discuss your options. We are based in Armidale, Tamworth, Coffs Harbour, Port Macquarie, and Taree.
As we age, we fight the changes in our life and in our abilities to continue as we had always done before. While seniors tend to have extensive knowledge and wisdom on an abundance of topics from love to home handiwork, you may notice your loved ones are not coping as well as they had before with everyday tasks.