How to Talk With Your Loved One About Home Care
It might be difficult to start the conversation with a loved one about their need to get a caregiver. Understanding why it’s a sensitive topic and doing a little bit of preparation will make this process a little bit easier.
June 26, 2024
It might be difficult to start the conversation with a loved one about their need to get a caregiver. Understanding why it is a sensitive topic and doing some preparation will make this process a little bit easier.
Here are a few reasons preventing you or them from breaching this topic:
They may be in denial about getting older and needing some help.
They may not know the benefits of having a home caregiver.
They may be averse to making changes in their lives.
They may be worried about the cost.
They may be hesitant to have a “stranger” come into their home.
There are many more reasons not listed here and understanding how they feel is the first step you need to take. Consider that they may be feeling some or all of these normal concerns. Then, contemplate on the following tips for before, during and after your conversation with your loved one:
Before:
Do your research.
How can you or your loved one benefit from having a caregiver? Knowing this can help you make a compelling case when talking to them.
Frame your message.
You don’t want your loved one to be on the defensive. So it’s important to highlight your concerns for their safety and well-being instead of making them feel like they’re losing the ability to care for themselves.
Find support.
You can enlist the help of another trusted family, friend or even a doctor. It may be beneficial to hear from another person.
Practice.
Go over what you plan to say and practice with another person. Anticipate your loved one’s response or the questions you may get from them, and prepare your own response.
During:
Make it a conversation.
Present your thoughts and listen to what they have to say. Address their concerns and promise to get the answers to the questions you don’t know how to answer.
Focus on the positives.
Remember to highlight the benefits of getting a caregiver. Lean on the research you’ve done. Again, don’t forget to address their concerns.
Call on your support person.
If you need to, get your support person to help back you up. Just make sure that your loved one doesn’t feel like you are uniting against them.
After:
Follow up.
If they had questions you couldn’t answer, make sure to find the answer and follow up with your loved one.
We hope that these tips can help you navigate this difficult dialogue and that you remember to do this with empathy and understanding. Do not hesitate to call us at Light and Life Home Care if you need any assistance.