Has your family come to a point where you recognize that it may be time to have a conversation with your loved one about their future care? This can be a very difficult and awkward conversation to have and they may be reluctant. However, it is very important that you are your loved one are on the same page about their future.
Here are some helpful tips, such as how a Family Caregiver Checklist can help to start the conversation with your loved one about Elder Care. For more information on how to start a conversation with your loved one, click HERE.
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Tips for Getting the Conversation Started with a Reluctant Loved One
Tip #1 – Ask open ended questions. about their future care. You will want to find out how and where they want to live. What are their fears and what brings them joy.
Tip #2 – Use other people they know as an example.Maybe a neighbor, friend or other family member is currently receiving care or giving care to someone.
Tip # 3 – Bring publications related to elder care to your loved one. There may be a blog post or journal article that you find may help open up the conversation with them.
Tip #4 – Put yourself in their shoes. You could tell your loved one that you are preparing for your future and ask them for their opinion and/or advice on the subject. This can help you segway into the subject of their care.
Taking the Next Steps
Once you have had a conversation with your loved one, it is important start taking the next steps. First, you will want to be sure that you set up a power of attorney and a living will to ensure you are empowered to help them, both financially and medically when the time comes. This may help them be less reluctant to accept added care.
Additionally, you want to make sure you have all the information when the time comes for you to step in. A helpful tool is to set up a Family Checklist so that you have everything in order and can make an informed decision on the behalf of your loved one.
Most importantly, being prepared prior to an emergency will help ensure your loved one is being taken care of in the way they wish and avoid an immense amount of stress for both of you.
What to do When your Loved One is Resistant to the Idea of In Home Care
You may feel your loved one needs in home care. You want to take careful consideration about how to approach the subject with them. Many families choose to come to their loved one as a group, this may not be right for your family. It may seem like your loved one is being ganged up on. Perhaps if one family member is elected to speak to them one on one, it will be better received. You will want to think about their individual personality.
5 Reasons Most Elderly Have Concerns about In Home Care
A lot of elderly initially resist the idea of added care in the home. Here are the 5 main concerns they may have.
There are 5 main themes when it comes to why a loved one doesn’t want to consider an In Home Health Care Professional assisting them.
-Loss of independence
-Lack of control
-Embarrassment
-Want to retain privacy
-Fear of stranger in their home
You can help your loved one warm up to the idea of care by listening to and addressing their fears. This will help them feel heard and like they are part of the decision. It is always important to recognize, validate and respond to concerns and fears that your loved one has. Often times, if they are willing to give it a chance, their fears are relieved once they try it out.
How to Help Ease Your Loved One into Accepting Additional Care
Explain that by adding the help it will actually help them to be independent longer term. It also takes the burden off of family members and decreases the likelihood of care taker burn out.
Finally, by using a licensed care provider, you will be working with someone that has been trained and able to professionally balance care and privacy. Additionally, having a camera or monitor to watch the home while the care provider is there and a family member isn’t will help address any security concerns.
Also, you can suggest a trial run so that your loved one can get an idea of how it will be. Remember that your loved one may be acting or reacting in fear. The more prepared you are when it comes to future care the better.