Talking about homecare with your parent or loved one
Published: 20/03/2019
Homecare doesn’t have to be the elephant in the room when it comes to talking to your parent or loved one. With a bit of careful forethought, some tried-and-tested strategies and an understanding of why people resist homecare, you can tackle the subject in a way that makes you both feel comfortable.
What’s the problem?
It may seem obvious to you that there are issues with your loved one’s current situation. Perhaps you are worried about them becoming more isolated or being unable to drive. You might notice hygiene and health issues that are only attended to when you are around. It may seem like your parent doesn’t understand why you can’t take more responsibility for their care. The first thing to realise is that it’s very common for parents and their children to have different perspectives in this situation.
From their viewpoint, they may want to resist the feeling of becoming elderly. Having lived an independent life for so long, they may be reluctant to give that up. Also, most parents, understandably, feel they know better than their children as they have the benefit of experience. They have previously been the one in charge in the relationship. Having a sympathetic view of the difficulty of some of these transitions is a great start when it comes to broaching the subject.
Approaching the subject
It’s best to get started on this conversation before their living situation becomes untenable. Being able to relax knowing you have got time to tackle the process gently changes the tone from one of urgency to something more gradual.
When you gather information on homecare in Enfield, ensure you get as many options as possible. That way, you can offer your parent choices so they still feel in control of the decision making process.
You can make it clear that Enfield homecare can mean anything from helping with shopping trips and the more difficult day-to-day tasks to round-the-clock care. Once someone sees that care can support the life they’ve always lived rather than changing things completely, they may be more willing to accept it.
Smaller steps are often easier to manage and so you may talk to them about introducing one or two aspects of care or you could suggest a trial period. The latter means they can experience the benefits without feeling like they have committed to a lifelong change.
Where do we come in?
As care providers in Enfield, Right at Home are happy to help you put together a supportive and respectful care package so that you can present this in a way most suited to your parent. We let you know all the ways in which we champion independence and dignity so you have confidence in the care you are suggesting to your loved one.
To get the process started, get in touch with a member of our team who will support you in choosing a care package that provides the best homecare in Enfield for your parent.
