When an older loved one needs help, it can be difficult for the entire family. Not only are they beginning to struggle with things that once came naturally, other family members have increased responsibilities and stress because of these struggles. It’s a natural occurrence within most families, but that doesn’t make it any easier.
Luckily, there are things that you can do to help make this process easier.
First, encourage your mom or dad to take part in the process. Ask them questions, get their feedback for what they are looking for. They might not want care, and that’s okay. There are likely going to be concerns when it comes to care, so feel free to let them ask questions and be critical. It will help steer the conversation in a direction that they are more likely to want to go.
The sooner this process begins, the better off you will all be. It will give them time to digest the information and then wrap their mind around the benefits that come with care.
Talking about care can be hard, so be sure to approach the topic gently. Your mom or dad might feel blindsided by the topic. They might feel threatened or get defensive about such a discussion, and it makes sense. So many people think of the nursing home when they think about senior care, and it isn’t something that a lot of people want for themselves. Nursing homes have had a lot of issues in the past when it comes to the quality of care received. The COVID-19 pandemic has only brought these issues to the public’s attention. Now, more than ever, your loved one probably has concerns. Don’t skip over these concerns. Talk about them. Get their feedback. And then help them find a level of care that meets their needs, and is also desired by them.
Finally, please don’t forget that it’s okay to ask for help. Although many families want to provide care to their loved ones on their own, sometimes this isn’t realistic. Sometimes, additional assistance is required. But just because more help is needed does not mean that you’re doing something wrong. Oftentimes, it isn’t even necessary for your mom or dad to move into a nursing home. In-home care is a strong alternative to this type of care, and it allows your loved one to stay right where they want to be–home. You can keep your family together and ensure that they are still receiving the attention that they need to stay healthy and happy.
If you’re located in the Bay Area, we’re here to help. And if you’re not located near San Francisco, you also have choices. Call a local in-home care service to learn more about what they do and how they might help you. If you don’t know of any nearby, call your local senior services agency. They will likely have connections with the local care services and be able to give you more accurate information on how to connect with in-home care in your community. Your family will benefit greatly by staying together, and you will still have the high level of care that your loved one deserves.
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