It’s difficult for many seniors to accept assistance in their golden years. Aging adults often feel like their independence is slipping away, and they don’t want to be treated like children. As a family caregiver, you need to make your older loved one feel comfortable about getting help with daily activities. Here are some of the strategies you can use to ease the transition for a senior family member who is stubborn about receiving assistance.
Have the Conversation Early
Don’t force your loved one to accept help. Instead, ease the situation by discussing assistance long before a health crisis occurs. Early conversations allow you to ask your loved one how he or she feels about receiving help. For instance, you can ask what type of care he or she would like to receive. Allowing your loved one to state his or her wishes and make decisions ahead of time could make the process go more smoothly.
Homecare services experts are available to provide high-quality care to seniors on an as-needed basis. From assistance with mobility and exercise to providing transportation to the doctor’s office and social events, there are a variety of ways professional caregivers can help your aging loved one continue to live independently.
Be Patient
Your loved one has lived the majority of his or her life without receiving help. In fact, he or she has cared for you and perhaps other children at some point in the past. As a result, it may take a little while to accept help from in-home caregivers, family members, and medical professionals. Regardless of how frustrated you get with your loved one, don’t be impatient, because it could lead to a tense and stressful environment. If your loved one has difficulty bathing and dressing or repeats words and sentences, be patient. Having patience could cause a stubborn parent to be more relaxed and open to receiving care.
Offer More Options
Give your loved one the opportunity to choose his or her schedule. Your loved one can tell you which days he or she wants to clean the home and prepare meals and when he or she will need assistance running errands and visiting medical providers. Make sure to include your loved one in the process of selecting a caregiver so he or she can choose someone he or she is comfortable with. Your loved one can ask questions when interviewing the caregiver or choosing the home care agency.
Reassure your loved one that his or her opinion matters when it comes to the level of care he or she receives. Some seniors only require help with a few daily tasks so they can maintain their independence. However, those living with serious illnesses may need more extensive assistance. Luckily, there is professional live-in care Lakewood, CO, seniors can rely on. Home can be a safer and more comfortable place for your loved one to live with the help of an expertly trained and dedicated live-in caregiver.
Point Out Strengths
Seniors need to be praised and valued. Hearing how great they are at something could make them less reluctant to receive assistance in areas they have difficulty with. It’s a good idea to encourage your loved one to do as much as possible independently, as long as his or her health and safety aren’t put in jeopardy. When your loved one does something well, make sure to compliment him or her. Receiving compliments may boost his or her mood and self-esteem. When seniors feel like they have accomplished something on their own, they’re less likely to fuss over receiving assistance with more challenging tasks.
There are many reasons seniors might need assistance at home. Some may require regular mental stimulation due to an Alzheimer’s diagnosis, while others might only need part-time assistance with exercise and basic household tasks. Home Care Assistance is a leading Lakewood senior home care provider. Families rely on our expertly trained caregivers to help their senior loved ones maintain a high quality of life. To create a customized in-home care plan for your loved one, call us at (303) 987-5992