When you begin to detect the red flags that care at home is needed for someone you love, it’s quite common for that person to balk at the idea. After all, admitting the need for help isn’t easy, especially for someone who values their privacy and independence. Yet what do you do when siblings deny the warning signs that care is needed for senior parents? If you’ve reached an impasse within your family about the need for senior care, there’s one likely culprit to consider: denial.
Why Would a Family Member Deny the Need for Care at Home for Senior Parents?
Denial is a coping mechanism employed to protect against feelings of helplessness or fear of an impending change. Your family member may feel more comfortable sticking their head in the sand in order to maintain status quo. Or, they may not be as familiar with the day-to-day care of the older adult as you are, so they’re not seeing the same concerns.
Regardless of the reason behind the denial, there are several strategies to help you see eye to eye and ensure the senior you both love receives the necessary care and support.
- Educate. Rather than arguing from your own perspective, turn to trusted resources to validate your opinion. Research details on the progression of a particular health condition the senior is managing. Learn together about the challenges of growing older, the dangers of senior falls, when it might be time to give up the car keys, etc., and use that education as the springboard for a conversation on how to ensure safety and comfort for the senior.
- Listen. Communication is a two-way street, so be sure to listen at least as much as you’re presenting your own concerns and thoughts. Acknowledge and validate the person’s feelings. Try to the best of your ability to keep the conversation calm and on an even keel, avoiding anger, sarcasm, and comments you may later regret.
- Reinforce. Bring in a professional third party to reinforce the benefits of home care in your particular situation. Make an appointment to consult with the senior’s doctor together. Sometimes, hearing firsthand information from a healthcare expert is all that is needed to help a family member in denial change their viewpoint.
Also, bear in mind that it can be helpful to begin home care services slowly and gradually work up to more services over time. For instance, we can begin with light housekeeping, preparing meals, and running errands or providing transportation initially. As the caregiver and senior form a bond of trust and companionship and the benefits of home care become more apparent, it’s then easy to add in more hours or extra care tasks, such as help with bathing and personal care needs.
When you’re ready to explore home care for someone you love, we’re here to talk with you and your family about options and to answer any questions you may have. We can address any concerns a family member is feeling about initiating home care services during a free consultation, right in the comfort of home. Contact us at (630) 323-4665 any time to learn more or to get started.