Families are sometimes shocked when their senior loved one suddenly refuses care. Seniors often value their independence, and they do not appreciate being told by someone else what to do. While it may be tempting to just arrange for care, it is important to involve your loved one in the decision. You can help your loved one realize the significance of in-home care by using the following strategies.
Refuse to Argue
Your loved one may resort to poor communication strategies such as yelling or stonewalling in an attempt to stop conversations about the need for care. However, arguing with your loved one fails to accomplish anything, and it could also damage your relationship. When your loved one gets angry or exhibits challenging behaviors, you may need to stop talking about the subject. You can temporarily switch to another activity or take a break from each other until you are both calm enough to discuss the topic again.
Families who need help taking care of their senior family members can turn to Home Care Assistance, a leading provider of home care Oakville you can rely on. One of our trusted caregivers can encourage your loved one to adopt healthier habits and help him or her age in place safely and comfortably.
Hear Your Loved One Out
You may discover your loved one has very good reasons for refusing care, such as the fear of moving to a retirement community. Alternatively, your loved one may have financial concerns about having to change residences at this point in life. Listen to your loved one and allow him or her to talk as long as he or she wants. You can use the information you obtain from this conversation to find solutions for your loved one’s concerns, which may include arranging for a caregiver to visit rather than forcing your loved one to move.
Families looking for top-rated Oakville elderly home care providers can reach out to Home Care Assistance. From respite care to specialized Alzheimer’s, dementia, stroke, and Parkinson’s care, there are many ways we can make life easier for seniors and their loved ones.
Identify Your Loved One’s Needs
Many seniors do not need an around-the-clock caregiver. Right now, your loved one may only need help with medication management or changing bed linens. Take some time to conduct a needs assessment, then make suggestions based on your findings that apply directly to the things that frustrate your loved one throughout the day. Hearing that he or she can get help with cooking or managing pills may be enough to soften your loved one’s opinion of home care.
Lay Out the Options
Your loved one may be reluctant to receive home care due to the fear of losing independence and control. Alternatively, he or she may simply be overwhelmed by the many decisions that are required when planning for long-term care. Allay these concerns by preparing a few options for your loved one. For instance, you could provide a list of home care services and let your loved one pick one or two that he or she prefers to start with.
Suggest a Trial Period
Seniors sometimes resist making major changes when they are uncertain of their future. Ask your loved one to accept help for just a few weeks to see how it affects his or her wellbeing. You can even set a date to meet again to follow up on how things are going. Often, seniors find that having help at home is better than they expected, and your loved one will likely be ready by your meeting date to arrange for a longer period of care.
Families who find it difficult to care for their aging loved ones without assistance can benefit greatly from professional respite care. Oakville, ON, family caregivers who need a break from their caregiving duties can turn to Home Care Assistance. Using our proprietary Balanced Care Method, our respite caregivers can encourage your loved one to eat well, exercise regularly, get plenty of mental and social stimulation, and focus on other lifestyle factors that promote longevity. To create a comprehensive in-home care plan for your senior loved one, give us a call at (905) 337-1200 today.