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How Do You Tell Your Parent They Might Need Home Care?

December 7, 2018
Linda Kunicki
You made the decision to become a family caregiver for your aging parent because you want the best for them. You might have noticed that they are experiencing challenges and limitations, or you may worry because of a new diagnosis that they need more help panhandling their daily life. This might influence you to consider home care for them. An in-home senior care services provider is an exceptional option for boosting care, improving mental and emotional health, and empowering your parent and to handle their health needs as well as pursue more independence. Despite all of these fantastic benefits, It can still be difficult to talk to your loved one about making the transition into a home care arrangement. Telling them you think they might need home care can be a sensitive conversation, but approaching it with confidence and sensitivity can make it a much easier and smoother experience for both of you.

Use these tips to tell your parent they might need home care:
  • Make the conversation your only focus. This is not something you should talk about when you are in the car, sitting in a waiting room, or watching TV. You need to focus completely on the conversation and eliminate all other distractions. This lets both of you put all of your attention into this important topic and make decisions together
  • Be honest about your concerns. Talk to your parent about what you've noticed and why it concerns you. Express your worries about their health and safety, as well as their ability to manage daily tasks. This can show your loved one exactly why you think they should have a care provider and that you are not just trying to "push off" the care responsibilities
  • Focus on the benefits. Rather than just talking about what's "wrong" with your parent or their functioning, focus on all the ways having a care provider could make their life better. Emphasize the increase in freedom, independence, and activity that this provider offers. This can help to turn their perspective away from it being controlling and negative, and about improving their life.
  • Let them talk. Don't take on the entire conversation yourself. Take plenty of time to just sit and listen so your parent can express everything they are thinking and feeling about what they are going through, their challenges, and the possibility of home care. Listen to them carefully and be ready to address their concerns, offer your support, and be open and honest about your feelings and emotions as well.
Helping your aging parent with mobility issues is just one of the many ways home care can enefit your senior as they age in place. Mobility issues such as balance problems, joint weakness, lack of range of motion, arthritis, and more, can put your aging parent at increased risk for injuries that can threaten their health and well-being, as well as their functioning and quality of life. An in-home senior care services provider can help your parent stay active and manage tasks in their daily life while also dealing with their mobility issues in ways that keep them safer and give them more confidence. As a family caregiver, this will give you peace of mind that your parent will be able to enjoy the lifestyle they desire while avoiding essentially serious consequences.

IF YOU OR AN AGING LOVED ONE ARE CONSIDERING HOME CARE LA GRANGE, IL, PLEASE CONTACT THE CARING STAFF AT BRIGHTSTAR CARE LA GRANGE. CALL TODAY: 708-551-2500.