While more and more older adults are choosing to age in place at home, it can still be a challenge to convince loved ones that they need help. It's common for older adults to feel uncomfortable with the idea of having a “stranger” in their home or to object to receiving assistance, even when it's needed. To help smooth the transition to in-home care, try some of these tips:
- Introduce the senior to the caregiver before care begins to help establish a relationship so that the caregiver is not perceived as a stranger.
- If the senior is afraid of having someone he or she doesn't know in the home, consider having a family member present for the first few visits.
- Search for a caregiver who shares interests with the senior, like church or hobbies. This can make having a caregiver seem more like a friendship.
- Make in-home care seem more attractive by laying out the alternatives for the senior, like having to move away from home, moving into an assisted living facility, etc.
- Make it about you. Let the senior know that you know he or she is very independent, but having someone around will help you worry less.
- Start small with a trial run. Have an in-home caregiver come in one day a week for a few hours just to tackle some light housekeeping or laundry and then build up to more care once the senior feels more comfortable.
It's important to try to see things from your loved one's point of view, and know that this is a vulnerable time for him or her. Have serious talks about care options and keep the conversation open if your loved one is resistant at first. Independence-4-Seniors can help you navigate these difficult conversations and find the right care plan for your loved one's needs. Contact our Chicago-based home care team at (630) 323-4665 to learn more about our care services.