For many seniors, there will come a point in their lives when they can’t take care of all their own needs completely by themselves. In some situations, people might recognize their need for help on their own. But in many other circumstances, it’s not until someone else, like a child or trusted friend, expresses concern that an elderly person will seek out and accept additional help at home.
If this is the point in which you find yourself and your aging parents, here are three tips for speaking with them about getting more help at home.
Find Common Ground First
Depending on the personalities of your parents, talking to them about getting more help at home may not go over well initially.
To give yourself the best chance of having a positive outcome in this conversation, DailyCaring.com recommends that you first find common ground with your parents’ wants and needs for their health and future. Some of the concerns you should bring up could include things like your parents’ safety, their freedom, peace of mind for everyone who loves them, and their ability to stay in their own home. If you’re able to agree on these all-important things in their lives, it may be much easier to get them on board with getting some help at home.
Practice Patience
Once you’ve brought this idea up to your parents, they may have a hard time accepting it immediately. Because of this, it’s a good idea to try to bring up getting help before it becomes an immediate need.
According to Judith Graham, a contributor to KHN.org, many people require time to process this type of change in their lives. In some situations, simply giving your parents some time to think about what you’re proposed can make a huge difference in them agreeing to get the help you think they need. And because this may take more time than you might like, try your best to practice patience, as it’s something you’ll need a lot of as you become a bigger part of your parent’s care in the future, too.
Start On A Trial Basis
Having a stranger come into their home is likely something that your parents won’t be thrilled about.
To ease into this situation, ParentGiving.com advises that you first start out this new way of life on a trial basis. By having someone come in for just a few days a week or for just a week or so while other family members are out of town, your parents may feel more comfortable.
If your aging parents are needing more help at home, consider using the tips mentioned above to help you start this conversation with them.
