Helping Seniors Age in Place With In-Home Care

Home Care in Beverly Hills CA

Some seniors believe they can age in place throughout their golden years without any help at all. They turn down the help of family, friends, and elder care providers. The idea of an in-home care companion seems preposterous to them and other strangers coming in to cook food for them sounds ridiculous. They’ve been taking care of themselves their entire life, so why do they need a plan for elder care now? According to them, they don’t.

Tread Lightly: Do’s and Don’ts

• Don’t Exasperate the Situation: if they’re already frustrated and angry, discussions should not continue in this manner.
• Don’t Threaten: don’t make seniors feel powerless with regards to a new senior care plan.
• Do deescalate the situation by helping the senior feel empowered by telling them an in-home care provider will help them stay independent, healthy, and active.

Be Gentle: Empathize

Immediately, seniors are going to react to this situation with fear and resistance. This is particularly true for those who do not adjust to change easily. Rather than meeting that reaction with anger, be gentle. This is a time when seniors need their feelings acknowledged and respected. They need to know they are understood and that they will not be shamed for feeling this way. This is when a trusting relationship must be built and maintained, otherwise their home care plan will quickly fall apart. Feelings of empathy will go a long way.

• What are their fears? Are they afraid they’ll have to leave their home and not receive in-home care? Are they afraid their elder care plan will be complicated? Answers to these questions will help alleviate some of their fears.
• Are they afraid their health will continue to deteriorate? Do they worry their senior care companion will not be qualified to help them? Are they worried they will eventually lose their independence? Answers to these questions will help you develop a discussion to help you empathize.

Explain Without Accusing:

Sometimes it’s difficult to explain why it’s important for seniors to begin an elder care plan without sounding accusatory, therefore they immediately jump on the defensive. This type of conversation is not productive, nor does it lead to a good outcome. Instead, a productive conversation is one that will make seniors feel good about what is about to take place, feel good about the changes that are about to occur, and feel confident about the decision they are about to make. Helping loved ones understand that their senior care plan is a process that takes time to develop will also make things easier.

Final Thoughts:

When families and the family care companion talk to the senior together, this could be a way of beginning a friendship and the development of a trusting relationship. This effort will help seniors understand their elder care plan in a way that is comprehensive, and without putting them on the defensive. Home care providers are trained to help families have the discussion with seniors about aging in place, maintaining their independence, developing an elder care plan, and enjoying their golden years throughout the rest of their in-home care.

If you or an aging loved one needs home care services in Beverly Hills, CA, call Livewell Private Care at (310) 933-4986.  Servicing Los Angeles, CA and the surrounding areas.