When you realize that your senior loved one needs help in order to remain in their home, you may decide to hire an in-home care provider. Home-based care is a wonderful solution for seniors who need assistance with meals, medications and housework. It's also a way for family caregivers to take a break with the assurance that their older loved ones will be looked after in their absence.
If your senior family member is able-minded, or mostly able-minded, it's a good idea to include them in the care planning in the following 3 ways:
1) Put your senior's mind at ease.
Many older people are set in their ways and they do not like strange people coming into their homes. This can be a challenge when arranging in-home care. You can ease your senior's mind by explaining the need for additional help. You should spell out for them exactly what the in-home caregivers will be doing while in the home.
This transition can be difficult, so be prepared for protests and complaints. Allow your older family member the opportunity to vent. If you meet objections with calm, reasoned responses, and respect the dignity of your senior by keeping them in the loop on decisions, you'll go a long way toward helping them accept in-home care.
2) Allow them to speak openly about concerns to caregivers.
It may be impossible to meet all of a senior's demands, but they should not be excluded from helping make decisions about schedules, meals, and activities.
Introduce all new home-based caregivers to your senior, and allow them to express their thoughts, even if they're negative. Don't be embarrassed if your senior is initially rude or unfriendly. It helps caregivers to know what their clients' attitudes and wishes are concerning the home-based care.
These professionals are very knowledgeable about the fears and anxiety many seniors feel when they must have outside help. They are trained to help alleviate those fears and to assist your senior in accepting their services.
3) Take the senior's habits and preferences into account.
Don't try to change everything all at once. If you think your senior needs a better diet, more help with housework and de-cluttering, and more activities outside of the home, let your caregiver know. But don't try to force all of the changes at once.
In-home caregivers often help with meal planning and preparation. Talk to them yourself about food concerns, but also let your senior have some say in how, when and what meals will be prepared. Keeping a bit of control can help your senior feel they are not being treated like a child.
Seniors may be picky or stubborn about housework help, and often have their own particular standards which they believe no one else can match. Be gentle but firm in explaining the need for help to keep the home functioning. Respect the senior's opinions and listen to their complaints and requests so they feel a part of the decision-making processes.
It can be tough on a senior when they realize they need assistance, and when family must hire outsiders to provide it. As long as it's safe to do so, let your senior in on the care plan. When you allow them to retain their dignity, they will be far more likely to cooperate with an in-home, senior-care provider. For assistance, talk to a professional like ComForcare Home Care - Valparaiso.
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