Written by Danielle Reay

As your parents age, you’ll likely notice changes in their health and behavior. Daily tasks may become more difficult, they might be prone to accidents and injury, and memory loss may cause you to worry about them. When these changes happen, you should talk to them about the safest way to age at home. Conversations with aging parents about their health and well-being can be sensitive, awkward, and sometimes hostile, but if you approach them in the right way, you can help them see when and why it’s time to seek outside help. Here are some ideas for how to talk with your parents about their health.Be EmpatheticApproaching your parents with patience and empathy is more important than ever when you talk to them about their health and well-being. The better you understand them the more likely it will be that you can respectfully guide them in their decision to seek outside help. Your conversations can be open and honest if you keep these things in mind:

Listen. Let your parents tell you how they feel. Any feelings they have are valid and appropriate given the circumstances, so give them space to feel afraid, angry, or hurt. Let them voice their concerns and objections.Put yourself in their shoes. Watching your parents age can be sad and scary but try to focus more on how they feel about aging. The more you can empathize with them the easier it will be to exercise patience – even if they’re resistant to getting help.Tell them you love them. Make sure your parents know your concern is coming from a place of love. Help them understand that you want their happiness, safety, and comfort and that in-home care is the best way to achieve those goals. Don’t rush them. If living alone and unassisted isn’t dangerous to the health and safety of your parents, let them make the decision of whether or not to receive in-home care. Remember that just because you’ve decided your aging parents need help doesn’t mean they’re ready for it. Be patient and gentle as you help them decide what’s right for them.

If you demonstrate patience and understanding your parents will know your concern is genuine. Your conversation can be honest and productive as you work towards a safe and healthy future for your parents.Start the Conversation EarlyDon’t wait until your parents need help to talk to them about aging in place. Instead, start these conversations long before their health requires intervention. That way it won’t be a surprise when you talk with your parents about getting help at home. If you’re struggling with how to deal with these early conversations, here is a list of questions to ask your parents that will get them thinking about the future: 

• How do you see your living situation in the coming years?What parts of your home do you love and want to maintain?Have you thought about the possibility of needing assistance with daily activities?Are you worried about isolation or loneliness as you get older?Have you considered options for transportation if driving becomes difficult?Have you looked into local resources or services that offer home care?What role do you see our family playing in supporting you as you age?Would you be open to having regular check-ins or visits from family members or caregivers?

By having these conversations early and often you can ensure the safety and care of your aging parents.Educate YourselfConvincing parents to accept in-home care can be tough, especially if your elderly parent doesn’t think they need help. That’s why you need to understand all of the options available to your parents before you talk to them about in-home care. If you come prepared to the conversation you can confidently answer their questions, ease their fears, and handle any objections they might have. Here are some great ways to educate yourself on what to discuss with aging parents: 

• Research home care services in your area and what they offer. When you understand the services these providers offer and the ways they can improve your parents’ lives, you’ll be confident in how to advise your parents about in-home care.Interview potential at-home care providers to discuss services, costs, and compatibility. Your parents will be less likely to feel overwhelmed by choosing a provider if you narrow down their options.Talk to friends and community members about the providers they use and find out why they like them. You and your parents will feel better accepting help from people and companies recommended by trusted sources.Trust your gut and only consider providers you feel confident can manage your parents’ unique needs. That way you and your parents can feel at ease knowing they’re in good hands.Look at government assistance programs to see if your parents qualify for financial aid through the state. If one of your parent’s objections is cost, this will help ease that worry before it starts.Talk to other family members about areas of concern they see for your parents. If your parents know that you aren’t alone in your concern they may be more willing to consider in-home care.Have a list of day-to-day activities you’ve noticed are difficult for them and a list of ways home care will make their lives easier. When you approach the conversation prepared with a solution to each of their problems they’ll have fewer objections.

Both you and your parents can be confident making decisions about their future care if you do your homework before you talk to them about accepting outside help. Focus on the BenefitsChanges to your parents’ health and capabilities might make them feel angry, frustrated, and afraid. Keep conversations about their well-being positive and upbeat. Focus on the benefits of in-home care instead of the issues that make in-home care necessary. Remind them of all the ways that a professional caregiver can help them maintain their independence and continue living safely in the home they love. Here are just a few of the services offered by in-home care providers and the ways they will make your parents’ lives safer and easier:

• Personal Care

In-home care provides help with activities of daily living (ADLs) so your parents can continue to live in their home while also having all of their daily needs met. ADLs include:

• BathingGroomingDressing EatingUsing the bathroomPersonal hygieneCompanionship

Seniors often suffer from isolation and loneliness, especially if they don’t have family nearby. In-home care professionals can provide your parents with friendship and companionship. It will give them the chance to have daily interactions with people they know and trust. Looking forward to and participating in these visits goes a long way in alleviating feelings of loneliness.

• Meal Preparation

Diet and nutrition will become increasingly important for your aging parents. They’ll need help planning and preparing meals that give them the vitamins and nutrients they need to lead healthy lives. This service is provided by many in-home care providers.

• Medication Management

Making sure that your parents take the right medications on time is important. In-home care providers do just that. They organize and administer your parents’ medicines so you and your parents can rest easy knowing they’ve taken their medications correctly. 

• Housekeeping

Your parents need a clean and organized home to ensure their health and safety, but housekeeping becomes increasingly difficult with age. While your parents age at home they can have light housekeeping tasks done by an in-home care professional to make sure their house stays clean and safe. This can include tasks like tidying up, dusting, and doing the laundry.

• Transportation

When your parents can no longer drive, you can trust in-home care providers to get them safely to medical appointments, grocery stores, and social activities. Being able to run errands and participate in social outings is vital to your parent’s emotional and mental health. 

• Medical Monitoring

Keeping track of vital signs, medications, and health changes is often a child’s biggest concern when it comes to their aging parents. Having a trained professional monitor your parents and report any concerns to healthcare providers or family members can ease your worries and theirs. 

• Social and Recreational Activities

Not only can in-home care services accompany your parents to social and recreational activities, but they can also plan and organize them. This will make sure that your parents can continue to participate in hobbies they love and interact with friends in the community. These social activities are vital to the physical and emotional health of every senior. 

• Pet Care

If your parents have a pet, you know how important that furry companion is to their well-being. Sadly, seniors often struggle to care for their pets as they age. In-home care providers can help care for pets by feeding, walking, and getting them to veterinary appointments. 

• Technology Assistance

Technology is an amazing tool that helps us stay connected with loved ones near and far. But, using this technology can feel impossible to some elderly people. In-home care can teach seniors to use electronic devices, computers, and smartphones to stay connected with the people they love.When you focus on the advantages of elder care instead of your parents’ mental, emotional, and physical limitations, you can help them look forward to the future and stay positive in the face of aging.Navigating In-Home Care Conversations with Compassion and SupportDiscussing in-home care with your parents might feel like an impossible task, but it doesn’t have to be. If you start the conversation early, understand the options, focus on the benefits of care, and muster all the patience and understanding possible, you can be sure to have a constructive and loving discussion with your parents. In time, they will see that in-home care is an incredible way to maintain their independence and age gracefully in their home. Remember, the ultimate goal is to ensure the well-being and comfort of your loved ones as they navigate this new phase of life. If you find yourself needing professional support in this journey, consider contacting Suzy’s Senior Services. With a deep commitment to providing exceptional in-home care solutions tailored to your parents’ unique needs, Suzy’s Senior Services can be your trusted partner in ensuring your loved ones receive the care and attention they deserve. Taking this step can bring peace of mind, allowing your family to focus on cherishing moments together while knowing that expert care is at hand. To learn more, contact us today at 801-540-2077.

 

Suzy’s Senior Companionship Services is a crucial part of my mother’s care. 

• “It started very simple, with a weekly swim outing, yet has grown to be so much more. My mother can be challenging and struggles to have friendships, but Suzy stepped right in and formed a dear friendship with her so that now my mother asks when Suzy is coming to take her out! Suzy made the swim outings a delight for my mom and as she got to know my mother, she thought of different outings that my mom would enjoy. Every outing is a treat for my mom – often it’s the highlight of my mother’s week. Our family is so grateful my mom enjoys these meaningful outings. Suzy has also stepped in and taken my mom shopping for clothes, or other needed items when our family was busy. Suzy’s attentiveness to my mom is often how we learn what is needed. We’ve come to rely on Suzy to let us know if and when my mother needs certain things. One outstanding incident was a cracked shower that was growing black mold. Suzy noticed this before any of us and notified not only us but the facility. She got them to fix the problem, even though it took a few reminders to the facility. Suzy is determined to make sure my mom’s room is properly cared for, and we appreciate that greatly. After months of Suzy’s service, I’ve found it to be trustworthy, compassionate, thoughtful, and supportive. I feel lucky that we discovered Suzy’s Senior Services, which is more than a service, it’s living, breathing people who care about those they care for.

• It’s such a relief for us, the children, to have someone we can call, someone who knows my mom’s needs, plus her quirks and her favorites. Suzy’s Senior Services takes some of the burden off our shoulders. We know our mom is out enjoying herself and being carefully watched. ‘Thank you’ is not enough, but it’s a start. So, thank you to Suzy’s Senior Services for all the heart behind the name. Our mother is better for your care, friendship, and time well spent.”– S. Jenson

For at-home elderly parent care near Weber and Davis County, Utah, call us at 801-540-2077 to learn more.