How to Talk to Your Parents About Home Care

As our parents get older, they may need more help than they are willing to ask for. Talking with your parents or an aging loved one about needing home care can be a difficult conversation for both of you. For them, it might represent a loss of independence. For you, it can be difficult because you must come with terms with the likelihood that you will need help caring for them.

Here are seven helpful tips to help you to start the home care conversation.

1. Do your homework. Before you start the conversation, research the various options that are available.
2. Do not wait for a crisis to start the conversation. Start talking about home care solutions now so that you can ask them how they would like to address the issue when the time comes.
3. Address your concerns. Be open and honest with your feelings and the challenges you have juggling your home life, career, and now their care. According to a recent study by Genworth, 55 percent of Americans say being a burden on their family is their biggest concern regarding long-term care issues. Take this into consideration when approaching your parent about accepting in-home help.
4. Show Empathy. Change is scary. When talking with your parents, try to understand how they could be feeling. It is important to realize that this change may feel like they are losing control of their independence. By showing empathy and listening to them, it will allow for a conversation to occur where you can discuss alternatives that help them retain what control they have left.
5. Focus on the advantages and benefits. Any conversation you have about caregiving should focus on why home care is a good thing. Instead of concentrating on why your loved one needs assistance, point out the benefits of having a caregiver there to support their personal needs and care.
6. Explore home care options together. Include your aging parents in the process of finding the best solutions for them. Allow them to be a part of the decision-making process. Let them look at the options and even meet with the home care company prior to making any final decisions.
7. Test the waters. Try hiring an outside caregiver for in-home help on a short-term basis for your respite care. This provides an opportunity to show your parents that having a caregiver is not something to fear and often leads to them being open to receiving ongoing care.

When you are ready to talk with your elderly parents about the benefits of in-home support, FirstLight Home Care is here to support you. Our local caregivers are here to help ease everyone’s concerns by giving you the support you need to provide the best care for your loved one. We will work with you to create a caregiving partnership that is built on trust, communication, and a special understanding of your family’s needs.

During this time, please know that FirstLight Home Care is fully operational, and our caregivers are available to help. The safety and well-being of our caregivers, clients and community have always been our top priority. That is why we have taken extra care to provide our team with the most up-to-date safety information and training to keep everyone protected and healthy.