HAVING THE TALK

As you become aware that your parent(s) need some type of care, how do you introduce that concept to them?  It is important have some understanding about what a big deal this is to them. Your parent(s) have been independent all their lives, so the idea that they need help is not a welcomed thought. It is important that you, as the adult child, take the position of being the advocate who is going to help them continue to fulfill THEIR desire not your own.

THE POWER OF CHOICE

Many seniors have had a preventable episode, a fall or sickness, that will determine very quickly a hospital or rehab stay. These events steal choice and independence away from seniors. Having help before a preventable episode allows them the freedom of choice. In the middle of a crisis, there are few options. Safety for your parents becomes the goal, and just a "little" help - maybe three or four times a week.
Statistics show that 15-20 hours of care per week provides the best outcomes of safety, intervention, medication management, nutrition, and senior's social interaction.

DID YOU KNOW... that for the cost of a room in an assisted living facility your family could afford 40-50 hours of one-on-one in-home care per week? Let me tell you, that's a LOT of care. The vast majority of seniors do not require that much to stay successfully at home. (In fact, our client care average is only 20 hours per week.) When it comes to cost of home care, we believe every dollar you pay for care should go toward actual care.

BILL AND SUE'S TIP

Seek out an agency that will strive to provide a caregiver that your parents will love having in their home. This will eliminate the sting they may feel having to have help. Let your parents know that you are on their team and you want to make this new chapter as painless as possible. That understanding goes a long way!
If your parents are still very resistant to care, seek help from their doctor or talk with another professional they respect. Their voice may be the one that can be heard. It's so important to realize that their reactions to the idea of care are not directed at you but are a result of the thought of loosing their independence. 

NEED A RESOURCE TO GET STARTED WITH HOME CARE? CHECK OUT OUR FREE GUIDE TO SELECTING AN IN-HOME CARE PROVIDER!

Have any questions about home care? Send me an email audra.bidwell@homeinstead.com, we'll answer your question and write a blog about it!