Introducing the idea of an in home health care assistant may be a difficult conversation to have. Learn how this Family Caregiver Checklist can help you communicate with your loved one effectively and without conflict.
(Friends: The links in this post are affiliate links. The Aging Authority will be compensated when you make a purchase by clicking on an affiliate link at no cost to you.)
Five Tips for Opening the Dialog with your Aging Love One
Including your loved one in the process helps to ensures that they feel more accepting of the idea. Also, it may help them to be more trusting of you. Therefore, it opens the doorway for more conversations in the future. For more information about what to do when your loved one resists added care, click HERE.
Tip #1 – Pick a calm and quiet time to talk, when there will be less interruptions or distractions during your conversation.
Tip #2 – You want to be empathetic to your loved one’s feelings. Making sure that they are feeling heard by you is key.
Tip #3 – Allow your loved one to express their concerns and fears.
Tip # 4 – You should always attempt to come up with an action plan for the next step by the end of the conversation.
Example : Let your loved one know that based on the conversation you would like to start researching health care services in their area. You want to confirm with them that they are in agreement with the actions you would like to take.
Tip #5 – Emphasize to your loved one that you want to help them maintain their independence and make sure of their success long term.
It might be helpful to let them know that them having extra support helps to ease your mind as well by knowing their needs are being met.
Once you have had this conversation, it really builds a foundation for future communication about their care.
Signs that Emergency Intervention May be Necessary
Ultimately, your goal is to help your loved one remain independent. However, it may become clear to you that more immediate care is needed. If so, here are some signs that may suggest that other intervention may be needed.
-An Alzheimer’s patient has begun to wander or leave the house unattended
-When a loved one truly cannot be left home alone and there are no other resources in their area.
-Your loved one’s medical condition may no longer be manageable. They may no longer able to do so, themselves, at home.
-When an individual is potentially a harm to themselves or others.
In these situations, safe placement in a senior community may be the better option.
When dealing with an emergency, planning ahead is key. It is the best way to help eliminate or alleviate potential stress. Using a Family Caregiver Checklist can help make the process easier for all when the time comes.
