What do you do if you have a parent that is in desperate need of senior care, yet they adamantly refuse to accept it? This is a tough question and it is something that many families go through in the early stages of finding senior care. Before giving up in frustration, here are some things to consider.
No one really wants to be in need of help. We’ve been raised our entire lives to be self sufficient, and when that is no longer possible, it can be very frustrating. Getting older is a fact of life, though, and there’s not much that can be done about it. Instead of getting upset, it is better to come up with creative solutions that make everyone happy. In-home care fits this description pretty well, as it ensures that those in need get to stay in their homes, maintain their identity and independence, yet they still have the support that they need to stay safe and healthy.
There are other forms of care out there that might appeal to your loved one, too. Some seniors have found that multigenerational housing and communities are very beneficial. This doesn’t mean that your mom or dad is going to move back in with you, unless you want it to. There are many housing developments across the country that are geared toward making senior care easier. They put families together in nearby homes or apartments, and there are caregivers that help out, too. The cost of these will vary depending upon where you are located, but because it is not a full time professional caregiver, it is not much more than the normal cost of living with rent and utilities. The main problem with this method is that includes relocation. Study after study has indicated that the relocation process itself is very stressful and often causes health problems for seniors. When the elderly person in question has dementia, the issues become even more exacerbated.
You might find that your loved one needs to be in a safer location, but they do not want to go. In these instances, you will need to make a tough decision. First, if they are of sound mind and you do not have power of attorney, there’s not much that can be done. You can check up on them yourself or offer them an in-home caregiver, but that’s about it. You can’t force them to go anywhere. When health or mental illness makes a move a necessity, the process is still painful, but there are things you can do to help them more. You may need to make a legal case that they need you to make decisions for them, but once this happens, you will be able to get them the necessary help. Just try to make sure that they have the best care possible and that they are happy. You won’t always accomplish this, but their health is the most important thing you can account for.
If you have questions about what you can do to help your loved one, contact your local senior services office to get more information.
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