How to Start the Tough Conversation with a Parent About Elder Home Services

Getting used to the idea that a senior loved one needs help at home can be tough. Even tougher is speaking frankly about the need for elder care services with the older adult and getting him or her to accept that assistance is needed. If you have detected changes in your loved one and you’re sensing the need to start the home care conversation as a choice to ensure safety and independence in the home, try these conversation starters to raise the topic in a delicate, non-confrontational way.

If heightened frailty is growing to be an issue:

“I love you, Mom, and now that you live alone, I worry about your safety. I know someone who can help us make the home safer and make it easier for you to get around and remain independent. Can I have her come over to have a conversation with us? It would really put my mind at ease.”

If there’s a risk of falling or mobility has decreased:

“Ever since you fell recently, I’ve been concerned about it occurring again. I know someone who can come over and give us guidelines on how to make your house safer and keep falls from happening. I’d love for us to get together and have a discussion with her and see what tips she has for us.”

If decreasing personal hygiene has become a concern:

“I’d love to have someone come over a couple of times each week to assist you around the house. Let’s work together to find somebody you would feel at ease with. We can work with a professional agency to find someone who shares the same interests as you so you will not only have some help from time to time, but also a good friend to chat with.”

When an older adult can no longer safely drive:

“I know that being unable to drive and get out as much has been tough. If we hire a home care aide for a couple hours several times a week, you could get back to engaging in all the activities that you’ve been missing, like shopping, visiting friends, and running errands.”

Bear in mind that, for many older adults, agreeing to help at home can feel like letting go of self-reliance, and you may have to have several conversations before a solution is reached. At All Care In-Home Care Solutions, providers of senior care Ashland and the surrounding areas depend on, we’re here to partner with you and the senior you love to help make life not only safer, but more pleasurable and fulfilling as well with the best elder home services available. Give our experts in senior services in Grants Pass a call today at (541) 857-9195 to discover more about how we can help your loved one.