Talking with Aging Parents about Home Care

Most people want to remain living in their own home as they age. There are definitely many nice retirement home and nursing home options, but staying in your own surroundings can be very comforting and improve the quality of life for some people. For adult children who notice that their aging parents may not be able to fully take care of themselves anymore, initiating a conversation about home health care may be the best solution. Another idea is to have these types of conversations while the parent is still fully independent to plan for the future. You can even suggest creating legal documents that can be used in the future.

Some of the warning signs that your aging parents may need help include:

1. The individual in question lowers their hygiene standards (not showering, brushing their hair and teeth, or not using cosmetics or cologne)
2. They become forgetful and miss appointments
3. The home itself is not properly cared for (dirty or cluttered)
4. The individual seems depressed, anxious, or not their usual self.

Some people can be very resistant to the idea that they need help. This could be because they fear getting older, they do not want to become dependent, or they fear becoming a burden to family and caregivers. Some people are simply stubborn and prefer to do everything for themselves and won’t ask for help. When approaching a parent with the idea of home health care, the topic should be presented in a positive light. Make sure to listen to whatever the parent has to say and reassure them that any final decisions will not be made without their input. Avoid any condescending remarks or talking down to your parents. Gently point out the ways that they could use help, including:

1. Daily activities such as showering, dressing, cooking, and cleaning
2. Help with medications or follow up treatments for illness or a chronic disease
3. Management of the house and keeping it clean and organized
4. Helping with transportation to medical appointments, social activities, religious groups, and other obligations.

Finding the right type of home health care depends on circumstances such as the patient’s condition, the type of care they need (daytime, nighttime, or 24 hour care), their financial ability to pay for care (health insurance or Medicare), and a personal connection with their caregiver. Trusted Hands Network is able to help families find the right provider for their parents.

For more information, please visit http://www.trustedhandsnetwork.com