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If you’ve noticed that your parents are having difficulty keeping up around the house or they’ve received a diagnosis of cancer, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, or another illness, it may be time to consider home care options. There are so many benefits of home health care not just for your parents, but also for you as a caregiver. Home health care can give you peace of mind, make caring for Parkinson’s patients at home easier, take stress off of your relationships, allow your parents to live at home longer, and even provide end of life care to make your loved one more comfortable if their illness is terminal.
Despite all of the benefits of home care, like Alzheimer’s home care, having that conversation with your parents can feel really difficult. This is particularly true in cases where your parent is experiencing cognitive decline and may not realize that their current living situation could be unsafe. It’s important to get the conversation started, even if it’s difficult. Below we’ve outlined a few tips for talking to your parents about home care options.
Change is hard, no matter what age you are when it happens. Go into the conversation knowing that it may take more than one discussion to discuss the benefits of home health care. There is a lot of information to cover and digest, so patience is particularly important when you’re discussing Alzheimer’s home care. It’s possible that your loved one is having trouble recognizing their need for assistance, especially if they are living with Alzheimer’s or dementia.
Before talking to your parents, imagine how you would want someone to speak about home care to you if the roles were reversed and you needed home care for Alzheimer’s patients or another illness. Having compassion and taking your time is key.
It’s important to consider the type of home care that is going to be best for your parents’ needs? Can you get by with companionship services to help with the cooking and cleaning once a week? Will you need nursing care? There are varying degrees of home care options for you to explore and present to your parents.
If you need to look at end of life care options, and you’re wondering if hospice covers 24 hour care at home, you may need to call your local home care group to discuss your questions, and specific circumstances. It doesn’t hurt to call and talk to a care provider in order to get pricing quotes, so you can present your parents with a full picture of this home care commitment.
If you’re looking into home care for Alzheimer’s patients, going in with a positive mood and tone can really influence their reaction. Even if the conversation is taxing for you, keep it light. It’ll be better for your parents to help them make the transition into home care.
Before talking to your parents, imagine how you would want someone to speak about home care to you if the roles were reversed and you needed home care for Alzheimer’s patients or another illness. Having compassion and taking your time is key.
Preparation is key in ensuring that talking to your parents goes smoothly. Practice the conversation with your spouse or a close friend, so you know how to broach the subject. Write down everything you want to say, and pick your words wisely. Do your research beforehand, so you’re able to answer their questions.
Even if you ultimately know that home care for Alzheimer’s patients or other types of care will be necessary for your family, it’s important that this still feels like a conversation, rather than a decision that you’ve made that will be executed without your parent’s input. Be open to their questions and concerns. See if you can find middle ground that incorporates everyone’s needs.
If your parents are capable, they should absolutely be a part of the home care planning process. Maybe the first step in the plan is simply to go to the doctor and get a formal recommendation. This can be particularly important when caring for Parkinson’s patients at home, because your doctor will help you understand what kind of care would be most helpful at this stage of the disease.
Your parents should have a sense of ownership over the home care process. For example, make sure they get the final say in who their companion or nurses are if you have the option. Everyone will be happier and more amenable to change if they feel their opinion is valued.
Download Fedelta’s guide on talking to your loved ones about home care options. Fedelta’s professional Home Care Advisors are also available to talk specifically about your situation and the best way to approach the conversation.
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