There comes a time in the lives of senior citizens when living alone becomes increasingly difficult. The unfortunate truth is that age brings with it health and wellbeing issues which can make retaining independence difficult. But the good news is that in home care offers the ideal solution for those who are struggling to cope on their own but are not ready to move into full-time residential care. In-home care involves a carer coming into the home to help with daily chores and other activities to make the lives of senior citizens significantly easier.
This can be a distressing time for the elderly as they become aware that they can no longer continue without some help, and many may resist the idea of a stranger coming into their private space. But once they have overcome this issue, they will begin to see that in-home care has many advantages.
Without the burden of cumbersome tasks, they will be freed up to spend time with loved ones and participate in hobbies they enjoy. An in-home carer will also help keep loneliness at bay, and instead of seeing the carer as an intruder, the elderly often come to see them as welcome visitors they look forward to seeing.
It may take a while for your loved one to get to this point, however, so here are some tips to prepare your loved one for in-home care.
- Talk openly
Be gentle as you discuss how an in-home carer will make life much easier for your loved one. Chat about how there’s no need to struggle on when help is on hand and that you only want the best for them. It’s crucial to emphasise that an in-home carer will help your loved one retain more of their independence for longer.
- Ask your GP and loved one’s friends for help
If you’re struggling to convince your elderly relative, ask your GP to help explain the benefits as he or she will have experience in this situation. Your loved one’s friends may also have positive stories to share.
- Get them involved in the interview process
It’s essential to find a good match, and it’s crucial that your elderly relative is included in the interview process if possible. Involving them in this way will reassure them that they are not losing their independence.
- Be available to listen
Listen patiently when your loved one shares their worries as this can be a difficult transition. Reiterate the benefits and be patient. The caregiver will be trained in this situation, and all concerns and fears will be eased in time.
Expertly trained in home care givers have plenty of experience in helping senior citizens transition from complete independence to having in-home care. Care Connect can help you find highly qualified in-home carers who will improve your loved one’s life significantly with as little disruption as possible. Call us to start the process today.