Six Mistakes to Avoid When Talking About Senior Home Care

When family caregivers start to realize it’s time to talk about getting some extra help lined up, they might think they can just make that happen. But the reality is that this can be a big step for aging adults. Taking the time to talk about senior home care the right way makes a difference in how easily seniors adjust to having that extra help. Here are some mistakes to dodge.

Don’t Spring Anything on Them

No one likes to feel as if something is being sprung on them, and that includes aging adults. They may realize that it’s a good idea to have some extra help, but that doesn’t mean they’re already thinking about home care services. They may not even realize that this is an option, or they may not realize what elder care does. Letting seniors prepare and cluing them in to what the conversation is about helps.

Avoid Ignoring Their Feelings and Thoughts

Seniors are going to have some thoughts and feelings about any change to their idea of what this phase of life is supposed to look like. Ignoring those feelings and thoughts is not going to go well and might be interpreted as a sign that they’re going to lose their independence. Taking the time to acknowledge that this is a big step can help a lot.

Try Not to Rush Things

Rushing the conversation or putting time limits on decisions may not go very well. It takes some time to come around to the idea of having senior home care. When family members take some time with this big conversation, they’re more likely to have a positive response when everything is said and done.

Keep the Conversations Small

Lots of people in the family might care about what is going on with the senior in question, and that’s perfectly normal. But that doesn’t mean that the conversation about senior home care services needs to happen over Thanksgiving dinner with everyone in the family chiming in about their thoughts. Keeping the conversation limited at first to just the people who need to truly discuss the situation means that there’s less chance of overwhelm.

Remember to Talk About Options

Sometimes, family caregivers see a situation one way, and seniors see it completely differently. For instance, family caregivers may worry that seniors need a lot of help with daily tasks. But seniors might feel as if what they’re really battling is loneliness, and they’d love someone to just talk to. The solution may be as simple as companion caregivers stopping by regularly, which resolves the real issue the senior had. Talking about options and being open to trying something slightly different might be helpful.

Don’t Force an Answer

Families may not have an answer right away after the first conversation. It’s important to give seniors time to think about the options and to reflect on what they want to try. They may come around, but if they’re forced to make a decision right then, it might not be what everyone hopes they will decide.

Talking about senior home care is an essential step before making that decision. But doing it the right way helps everyone feel good about the conversation afterward.

If you or an aging loved one are considering Senior Home Care in Randlman, NC, contact the caring professionals at TenderHearted Home Care today. Call us at (704) 612-4132