Caregivers Talk With Senior Citizens About In Home Care

Caregivers for Senior Citizens

The family members who are doing the talk about the need for senior assistance should be prepared.  Your senior family member has probably spoken to their friends and has learned all the excuses used for saying  NO.  Many senior citizens simply feel embarrassed about needing help.  As the family member, or caregiver,  your first step is to be prepared to debunk this stereotype.

In Home Care

Make sure that you are properly prepared about the benefits of in-home care that go beyond the assistance of daily tasks, such as social stimulation and companionship. Let your loved ones read some of the materials.

You cannot get the entire conversation, and decision making about in home care in one sitting.  Give your senior time to ask questions, read the contract and do not assume that any hesitation on their part means a NO. Give them time to digest that assisted living or in home care is a lifestyle change, and talk with them over several days.

Do not make your senior family member feel like he or she is losing a battle. Let them know that you feel that this lifestyle is positive. Stay away from adversarial context.

Having multiple talks about in home care can instill a sense of comfort and trust that the senior may be seeking before they jump to sign a contract. Let your family member know that they will participate in the decision and when the senior is comfortable going forward with help will be a good decision.