Discussing in-home care with an elderly loved one is never easy. This is due in large part to the misconception that in-home care represents a loss of independence for the elderly and an inability of their loved ones to provide the assistance they need.
However, in-home care most often improves the quality of life and makes each day easier for both the elderly and their loved ones.
By learning more about the benefits of in-home care and useful strategies for raising the topic of conversation with your elderly loved one, you can ensure the decision-making process is productive and convenient. While it is not always easy to take that next step toward in-home assistance, it is often a great way to ensure those who are in need get the care they deserve.
Understanding the Benefits of In-Home Care
Most families who agree to transition into in-home care are surprised by how beneficial it actually is. Understanding the benefits helps family members comfortably discuss the option of in-home care with an elderly loved one. Several of the more notable benefits include:
- Professional care
- Improved health
- Dietary support
- Allows for independence
- Medication management
- An affordable solution
Relying on family members to provide the necessary assistance is not always realistic as they are not educated and trained in providing medical attention to those in need. In-home care ensures that patients get the medical attention they require.
When compared to alternative solutions such as nursing homes, in-home care provides much more independence and does not alter the patient’s lifestyle, allowing them to keep their pet and favorite hobbies.
Additionally, while many fear that accepting in-home care will leave them isolated from family members, it actually allows them to feel less of a burden to loved ones and allows the time spent with family to be much more meaningful.
4 Topics to Discuss with Your Elderly Loved One
Preparation is very helpful when it comes to discussing in-home care with an elderly loved one. By taking the time to outline the topics you plan to discuss, you can ensure you stay on track and have a meaningful conversation.
It is also important to understand that your elderly loved one might be hesitant to the idea, which is why remaining patient and calm is essential. With that said, there are certain topics that are important to discuss to warm your elderly loved one up to the idea and allow them to see how in-home care can benefit them.
Discuss All of the Advantages of In-Home Care
A common mistake many make when bringing up the possibility of in-home care is focusing on how much their elderly loved one needs regular assistance from a medical professional. Instead of focusing on limitations, discuss how in-home care can benefit them and improve their quality of life.
Many patients find they have more peace of mind when they agree to in-home care. One useful strategy is comparing in-home care with alternative solutions, such as entering into an assisted living facility.
Many would prefer to remain at home and still be able to do the things they enjoy in the place they are most comfortable. In-home care is also the more affordable option in many instances, as it is based on hourly compensation rather than a monthly payment that assisted living facilities require.
Describe How In-Home Care Helps Others
Becoming a financial burden to others is one of the main concerns of those who are elderly and in need of assistance. Many who feel as if they can care for themselves, but can’t afford in-home care may not like the idea of another loved one paying for their medical assistance. However, showing your loved one how much it will help everyone else can allow them to feel more comfortable.
As it pertains to financial benefits, you can show them that while there is a cost associated with in-home care, it is far more affordable than entering into an assisted living facility or taking time off from work to provide the necessary assistance.
You can also discuss how helpful in-home care will be for you. Explain to them that you enjoy helping, but you do not have the professional knowledge to help in all areas.
Offer Respite Care as an Option
Respite care allows an elderly individual to try in-home care on a short-term basis. Because convincing an elderly loved one to simply give in-home care a chance is the biggest obstacle, getting them to give it a chance without requiring a big commitment might be your best chance to sell them on the idea. Once they see how friendly the nurse is and how helpful they can be, many quickly warm up to the idea and decide to extend it into a long-term arrangement.
A useful tip for ensuring the respite care process goes smoothly is to stay away and let the caregiver establish a connection with your elderly loved one.
Meet with an In-Home Care Provider or Primary Care Doctor
There are a range of reasons why someone might be hesitant about the idea of in-home care, but probably the biggest reason is the belief that they simply do not need help. One way to deal with this obstacle is to have an in-home care provider meet with your elderly loved one to discuss the benefits their patients often receive.
It may also be a good idea to arrange for your elderly loved one and their primary care physician to discuss the possibility and benefits of in-home care as well. The more your elderly loved one learns about in-home care and the medical and quality of life benefits, the more likely they are to agree to respite care or in-home care on a long-term basis.
Speak with an Experienced In-Home Care Agency
Comfort Home Care has an experienced and friendly staff of in-home care professionals that are available to provide ongoing assistance.
To learn more useful tips on how to have the often difficult conversation about in-home care with a loved one, or if you have any other questions about our services, then reach out today and our friendly team will be happy to provide more information.
