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How Do You Discuss Home Care With Loved Ones?
Date Updated: December 9, 2024
Written by:
Ashlee Shefer is a freelance copywriter, content writer, and digital marketer who specializes in senior care, mental health, health care, and other wellness-related topics. She has one year of experience writing both short- and long-form content related to senior resources, assisted living, nursing homes, and home care, including blog posts, research-based articles, resource guides, product reviews, facility blurbs, finances, and care costs.
Reviewed by:
Dr. Brindusa Vanta is a health care professional, researcher, and an experienced medical writer (2000+ articles published online and several medical ebooks). She received her MD degree from “Iuliu Hatieganu” University of Medicine, Romania, and her HD diploma from OCHM – Toronto, Canada.
You discuss home care with loved ones by preparing for the conversation and involving them in the decision-making process. Discussing home care with a family member can be challenging, especially if they deny needing help. However, gently expressing your concerns, considering your loved one's feelings and discussing the benefits of home care enable productive conversations.
When Should You Talk to a Loved One About Home Care?
Consider talking to a loved one about home care if you notice signs indicating a need for extra help to maintain their quality of life. These signs include:
- Needing help with daily living activities, including dressing and bathing
- Displaying physical changes, including significant weight loss
- Experiencing frequent falls or accidents
- Having issues with mobility or memory
- Showing less interest in hobbies or social interactions
- Experiencing difficulty completing household tasks, including laundry or meal preparation
These signs may signify your loved one struggles with a physical impairment, developing cognitive disorder or a mental health issue affecting their ability to care for themselves. Without assistance, your family member's condition may worsen, emphasizing the importance of home care in preventing further decline.
How to Prepare for Home Care Discussions With a Loved One
Discussing home care with a loved one can be a sensitive topic, but it's necessary to help them maintain their health and well-being. Before broaching the conversation:
- Conduct research on home care options, including companion care and personal care services, to present to your loved one.
- Identify local in-home agencies or caregivers that offer services aligning with their needs.
- Ease into the conversation by expressing your concerns for their safety and asking for their opinion.
If your family member seems open to considering home care, present your research and explain the benefits of this service. Relate these benefits to your loved one's specific situation, and emphasize how home care can increase their independence, safety and comfort. Ultimately, let your family member make the final decision regarding which agency and services to choose. Allowing them control over the situation may enhance their interest and acceptance.