So, you’ve decided it’s time to seek professional elderly care. Ventura, CA seniors, and their families can benefit tremendously from caregiving services such as transportation, meal preparation, housekeeping, medication reminders, and personal care, so this is a good decision. The conversation can be difficult, though, especially with older loved ones who have always lived very independent lives. It can also be hard to find a nice way to point out the signs of aging and chronic health conditions. Ventura, CA families have a friend in Home Instead when this time comes, but first, you have to get the conversation started. The following tips should help you and your family approach these difficult topics respectfully, tactfully, and compassionately.
Focus on the Benefits.
Rather than focusing on how your loved one is no longer able to be independent, it’s better to focus on the benefits of companions for elderly persons. Ventura, CA seniors can actually live more independent lives with in-home caregiving assistance because they have someone to help them get around and do the things that they’re used to doing. It’s a much better option than leaving the comfort and dignity of a familiar environment for a nursing home. In-home elderly care also allows family members to enjoy more quality time with their aging loved ones rather than shifting completely to a caregiving role.
Be Honest, But Not Brutal.
When it comes time to discuss elderly care options, it’s important to be honest about what you’ve observed rather than beating around the bush. It’s a good idea to have some specific examples ready in case your loved one brushes you off or doesn’t want to hear what you’re trying to say. However, it’s also important to be kind and compassionate. Think of how you would want to be spoken to in this situation and take it from there.
Remember They’re an Adult.
Roles sometimes feel as if they’re reversing when children, grandchildren, and other younger relatives find themselves in a caregiving role for an older loved one. It’s important to remember they’re still an adult, though, and avoid treating your elderly loved one like a child. Even seniors who are struggling with Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia still retain memories from their adult lives and shouldn’t be treated like children. Patronizing your elderly loved one will certainly not make the conversation any easier.
Call in the Experts.
If you feel like you’re getting nowhere in the conversation or your older loved one is simply avoiding the topic altogether, it might help to have an expert speak on your behalf. Perhaps a family doctor, faith leader, respected friend or other older relative can speak to them about the benefits of in-home caregiving. There’s a good chance that reluctant seniors will be more willing to listen to a peer or respected authority figure than a child or younger relative.
Once you’re ready, there’s no need to spend hours searching for a caregiver agency near me. Ventura, CA seniors have access to one of the world’s leading providers of in-home senior care right in their backyard. Home Instead of Ventura, CA offers a variety of elderly care services including personal care, Alzheimer's care, hospice support, chronic illness care, housekeeping and meal prep, transportation, and companionship. Contact Home Instead today to learn more and keep the conversation going.
