3 Ways to Help an Aging Loved One Who Refuses In Home Care

According to a survey conducted by AARP, 90% of seniors above the age of 65 wish to remain in their homes. Unfortunately, many seniors in the early stages of cognitive impairment can’t always take care of themselves as well as they should. These individuals are often the most difficult to deal with because they are resistant to change, especially change that affects their daily lives and capabilities.

As a result, family caregivers experience frustration, anger, guilt, and helplessness as they try to assist their older loved one. In home care is usually the best option, because professional caregivers are equipped with the training and skills needed to keep your loved one safe and well cared for.

Here are three tips to help you overcome the objections your loved one may have towards receiving in home care from an outsider.

1. Determine the root of resistance
   Your first step should always be to listen. Before making any suggestions or settling on any sort of solution, find out why your loved one is resistant to the idea of senior in home care services. The problem could be the anticipated cost, lack of privacy, loss of independence, or fear of becoming a burden. Once you understand their apprehension, you can tailor the rest of your conversation to address those concerns. Most importantly, by listening to your loved one’s feelings, you will establish trust and they will be more receptive to your suggestions and opinions.
    
2. Be compassionate and patient
   In addition to hearing their concerns, learn about what kind of support they need. Ask your loved one how things are going. Find out what daily tasks they are having trouble with and which they can handle without assistance. Put yourself in their shoes and acknowledge their challenges. Instead of jumping in with recommendations or solutions, simply say, “I imagine this feels difficult” or “It must be hard to not be able to do things you could do before.”
3. Start small
   If your loved one is resistant to the idea of geriatric care either in home or at a senior housing facility, begin by suggesting more low-key assistance. For instance, introduce an aide who can make short home visits at regular intervals, take your loved on one walks, fix them meals, and help them with other small tasks. Eventually a relationship will form and your loved one will feel less threatened by the aide’s presence. You should also prioritize problems. Oftentimes, elderly individuals don’t need help with every aspect of their daily lives. If cooking or paying bills is a major challenge, focus on those tasks first.

You want your loved one to live out their remaining years as happy and comfortable individuals. The best way to ensure that they are receiving the best care available is by reaching out to professionals for quality assistance.