If you have an elderly loved one in your life that you care deeply about, there is very likely going to come to a point where they will need some caregiving assistance if they are going to continue aging in place. HomeCare with an elderly parent is not an easy topic to bring up but you’ll need to know signs before bringing up this topic.
What are the signs they need help, and how will you bring up the topic of home care with them? These are two critical questions you’ll have to answer to keep them safe and secure at home.
Let’s look briefly at each of these questions to ensure your timing to bring in in-home care for your loved one is good and that you get your message across to them that they need care compassionately and effectively.
Signs your loved one needs help
Bringing in professional caregiving assistance can consume quite a bit of your time initially, and there is a monetary cost involved. For those reasons, you want to feel confident that your loved one does need help and that you’re not “jumping the gun.”
Here are some signs that your senior could use some assistance:
Physical and Mental Changes
- Difficulty with walking, balance, and mobility
- Changes in mood or extreme mood swings
- Sleeping too much
- Unexplained cuts or bruises
- Missing important appointments
- Uncertainty and confusion while performing once-familiar tasks
- Unexplained dents and scratches on their car
- Forgetfulness, including not taking their medications as prescribed
Neglected Household Duties
- Lack of fresh, healthy food in the fridge
- Stacks of unopened mail
- Stains on the furniture or carpet
- Dirty laundry piling up
- Unpaid bills, bounced checks, and late notices
- Utilities being turned off due to missed payments
Poor Personal Hygiene
- Noticeable change in grooming habits
- Strong urine smell in the house or on clothing
- Unpleasant body odor
If your loved one is showing some of these red flags, their safety and independence might be at risk unless caregiving assistance is sought. Homecare with an elderly parent is not an easy topic but we have listed steps that will help you with this topic.
Starting a conversation about home care with an elderly parent
Fear and denial are two barriers that you’ll probably need to overcome for your loved one to begin considering allowing a “stranger” in their home. Here are a few tips to help you start a dialogue with your senior about accepting help from a caregiver:
Share your concerns. Tell your loved one what you’ve observed and why you’re concerned. Knowing that you’re bringing the idea up because you care is the first step in having them accept that they need help.
Involve others. Have family or friends chime in. It is often a difference-maker when your senior hears the same recommendation from multiple people they trust. Clergy members and elderly neighbors utilizing home care services are also people your loved one may listen to.
Set up a meeting with a caregiver. Involving your loved one in the selection process of a new caregiver makes a substantial, positive difference in their acceptance level. They won’t feel like you’re pushing someone on them; instead, they’ll feel as if they just chose a personal assistant who can become a new friend.
HomeChoice Home Care Solutions has helped many families throughout Raleigh, NC introduce their elderly loved ones to a caregiver for the first time. Our caregivers will help your senior quickly get comfortable with the idea of in-home care. They’re experts at building relationships, and they exude kindness, which seniors cue in on and respond positively to.
Call us today for a no-cost initial consultation. We’d be happy to get to know your loved ones and help them remain safe at home.
