Whether it is to the rest of the family or the aging parent him or herself, approaching the subject of elderly parent care can be a challenging thing to do. On one hand, your aging parent wants to live life on their terms and still has his or her independence to a certain degree. On the other hand, you are worried about your aging parent and wondering if they are getting their needs met on a daily basis. Fortunately, there are a few steps that family members can take when confronting the subject that can help all family members to see the benefits of elderly parent care.
Why Seek Elderly Parent Care?
Before deciding on speaking with family or your parent about adding senior care services, you’ll have to decide that these services are the route you will try to promote to the family. Your aging loved one may be experiencing a decline in health due to a medical ailment, or may simply be losing the ability to perform necessary everyday tasks. Whatever the reason, you’ll need to stand by your decision to seek the care your aging parent needs so that you and your family members can decide upon the approach that suits your parent best.
Go Over All the Options
Each and every one of us grows older every day; it’s a natural occurrence. But, every aging situation is different. Your parent’s needs may be different than the next aging individual, so it is imperative to research all care options before coming to a final decision. This way, you’ll be sure that your aging parent is getting the exact care that they desire and need. For example, many aging individuals find that they can perform most daily activities themselves and do not wish to leave the comfort of their own homes. In these situations, a home caregiver may be the best option to help with ambulation, medication management, transportation and more. But, for others, assisted living may be necessary due to required around-the-clock care and medical assessment. Either way, be sure to research and understand all the options available to you and your family so that you are sure to make the best decision for the entire family unit.
Confronting the Issue as a Family Unit
Now that you have done all the research, it is time to discuss with the family. Choose a time and a place that meets everyone’s scheduling needs but also offers a setting of tranquility. This way, no one feels pressured or overwhelmed with the decision making process. Remember that not every one of your family members may feel the same way that you do about elderly parent care, so be open minded to others and their desires for your parent. No one knows or understands your parent like you and your family, so as a unit, discover the solutions that you think your parent will be most willing to accept and most likely to benefit from. For example, you and your closest family are likely to know that your aging parent will not want to leave the comfort of home, so you are prepared to discuss specific home care solutions.
Confront the Issues with Empathy
Keep in mind that if you are lucky enough, you will one day be an aging parent that requires care. Imagine what this must be like before confronting your parent about elderly care options. If you can try to place yourself in their circumstances, you are better prepared to handle the situation with empathy and compassion. Once your aging parent understands that you only want what is best for them, discuss the difficulties they are having and how elderly parent care services can help and make their lives less challenging. If you approach the situation with empathy and point out specific reasons why they need elderly care, your parent will be more likely to accept help.
Utilize Outside Sources
For many, denial of needing assistance or an unwillingness to change by the aging parent makes the process more challenging. In these scenarios, it may prove to be beneficial to ask family friends or acquaintances to offer their own testimonials of elderly parent care. Hearing testimonials from elderly peers can help parents to realize what the process is really like and may prepare them to be more willing to accept the process. Need help finding in-home care assistance for an aging parent or loved one? Florida First Senior Home Care offers referrals of experienced and qualified caregivers of all kinds. Give us a call today to find out what kind of caregivers we can refer to your family at 561-717-7224.