Talking About Home Care With Your Senior Parent

If your mom or dad wants to continue living in their own home, but you’re worried about their ability to be safe at home alone, home care assistance is a great way to compromise. With home care assistance, your mom or dad will have the extra help they need and you will confident that they’re safe and comfortable at home.

But a large number of seniors are very resistant to the idea of home care assistance. Your mom or dad may tell you they don’t need help, or that they don’t want a caregiver at home with them. But having home care assistance can be a huge benefit for seniors.

A home care provider can make sure household chores get done, like doing the dishes or taking out the trash or changing the sheets. They can also make sure that errands and shopping get done, and that your mom or dad is eating healthy meals.

If your mom or dad is resistant to the idea of home care, here are some constructive things you can do to try and make them more open-minded to the idea of home care assistance:

Focus on Their Independence

Many seniors resist home care because they fear losing control over their lives. Instead of presenting home care as a loss of independence, show your mom or dad how it can help them stay independent for longer.

Explain that a caregiver can help them with things that have become difficult, like cooking, housekeeping, or transportation. Reassure your senior parent that they will still make their own choices and keep their routines.

Start Small and Introduce Help Gradually

If your mom or dad is resistant to the idea of home care, suggest starting with just a few hours of home care each week.

This way, they can get used to the idea without feeling overwhelmed. Begin with help in areas where they need it most, such as grocery shopping, meal preparation, or light housekeeping.

Once they see how helpful and non-intrusive the caregiver is, they may become more open to increasing the hours or services over time.

Talk About Safety and Health Benefits

Seniors are often more willing to accept home care if they understand how it will keep them safe and healthy. Explain to your mom or dad that a caregiver can help prevent falls, remind them to take medications, and provide transportation to doctor’s appointments so they don’t need to take a cab or a rideshare or wait for a senior shuttle bus.

If they have a medical condition like diabetes or arthritis, remind them that having assistance can improve their health and comfort. Many seniors are more open to home care when they realize it can help them avoid hospital visits or injuries.

Emphasize the Social Benefits

Loneliness is a common problem for seniors, especially if they live alone. Let your parent know that a caregiver is not just there to help with chores—they can also provide companionship.

A good caregiver can engage in friendly conversation, play games, or even accompany them on walks. If your parent enjoys socializing, they may be more open to the idea of having someone around to keep them company.

If you or an aging loved one are considering Home Care Assistance in East Montauk, NY, call the caring staff at Artful Home Care today at (631) 685-5001