At some point, every one of us will need to be cared for, which means that you may find yourself having to care for an aging loved one day. Making home care decisions for an elderly family member could be emotionally difficult, especially after watching them struggle with their day-to-day activities. So, how would you know when it is time to talk to them about in-home care services?
Since their wellbeing is a priority, making a decision that may affect their lifestyle can be quite stressful. For the most part, aging adults will not ask for help, so it is very important that you observe them when you are around. Do not be afraid to ask questions. Look for signs that they are having trouble maneuvering through their normal daily routines. If so, then it is probably time to seek in-home care services to receive the extra help they need.
Signs an aging loved one may need in-home care:
- Their home is not kept up and clean as it has been in the past.
- They seem to be struggling to manage daily tasks such as washing clothes, emptying the trash, or cooking meals.
- Do they hesitate when they respond to your concerns?
- Look for bruising that may indicate they may have slipped or fallen.
- Is their hygiene care lacking?
- Observe their ability behind the wheel and look for an increase in scratches or dents.
- Notice if they become forgetful, causing missed appointments, unpaid bills, or even repetitive purchasing items.
- Maintaining relationships deteriorates.
Balancing your own family, career, and the needs of a senior family member can be demanding. Trying to ensure that everyone’s needs are met while having only so much time and energy to give is not an easy task. So, when the day comes that you no longer can effectively provide the care your aging loved one requires, take a deep breath and start preparing to discuss in-home care services. You will not be letting anyone down by getting the professional care and help you and your loved one needs.
The first step is, to be honest with yourself and them about the situation. You want to set the pace for a successful conversation so that your aging loved one still feels like they are retaining their dignity.
Helpful tips on talking to your elderly family member about senior care:
- Discuss what they want and not what you think they need. This approach will help your loved one feel less like getting senior care services, becoming more comfortable and trusting of the in-home care staff. This could lead to accepting more assistance from them.
- Talk about how you receive help from others to paint a more positive picture of accepting help. Praise your elderly loved one about how well they are doing and ask for their advice on the situation. Make them feel like they are part of the decision too.
- Plant the seed in advance. If you wait for a crisis to happen, the chances of your elderly loved one becoming more defensive are greater. Start talking and planning about what they would want as they age. Even mention what you would want for yourself.
- Discuss what could be holding them back. Since it is hard for some elderly to admit their concerns outright, you will need to listen more closely to what they are not saying. Look for clues to pick up on so that you can address their issues and fears openly.
We all want what is best for our aging family members. That is why engaging the help of an in-home care service in advance can also be valuable. They will assess the situation and suggest advice on how to approach having the conversation. They can help you to have a better perspective on the situation and learn how to set boundaries.
Benefits for in-home care services:
- Ensure your loved one receives the assistance and support they require when they need it.
- Receive social contact regularly, which is crucial to emotional and physical development.
- Allows you to spend more enjoyable and quality time together since you will not be trying to meet their every need.
- It puts your mind at ease knowing an in-home care provider is trained to assist your loved one in the capacity needed. You can rest assured that they are safe, comfortable, and cared for when you cannot be there.
- Their schedule is adaptable to you, and your aging loved one’s needs.
Many elders in the U.S. live in a state of isolation which leads to loneliness. Children move away, making it harder to visit often, and spouses and friends pass. As an adult, making friends is more challenging than you would think. Isolation magnified by the physical decline of an aging senior can become problematic, especially because more elderly prefers staying in their home. A lack of social contact increases the health risks for the elderly getting dementia or other severe medical conditions. This is when in-home care services become the solution.
If you are looking to explore in-home senior care services in the Lafayette, LA area, contact Home Instead today at 337-295-7990. Their skilled caregivers will maintain a good quality of life for your elderly loved one, leaving you feeling reassured that they are receiving the best care possible. Learn more about the services they provide and give them a call. They are waiting to make you and your loved one part of their family.