3 Tips for a Healthy Conversation About In-home Care

When it’s time to consider in-home care for someone, it can be a challenging. “How do I know if I can trust someone to care for my mother?” “What if my uncle resists the help?” “Will they know that I still love them even if I can’t be there all the time?” These are common questions that race through people’s minds when they begin their search for in-home or companion care. Regardless of the situation, there are ways to help make sure that the additional support is beneficial for everyone involved. These three tips will help everyone feel comfortable with any type of in-home care.

1. Start Early

For many families, the conversation around in-home care only starts after serious injury or the development of condition. While that is the reality for many, starting the conversation early is a great step to making in-home care services easier for everyone, including the one who will be receiving the services. It can be hard to accept the fact we may need more help than before, but the resistance is typically temporary. Therefore, it may take some time for them to come around. By starting early, you give everyone time to adjust to these changes and become more comfortable with their new normal.

2. Try to Include Your Senior Loved One

Give your loved one the power to be an active participant in the decision. Everyone enjoys having a say in what happens in their life. The same goes for in-home care. If you start early, your senior could even help make the final decision, which would help offset any hesitance about in-home care services. By including your loved one in the decision, they will have the opportunity to grow to appreciate the help instead of resenting it.

3. Understand What Services You Need

“We would just like some extra help for them.” This is very common response when people are explaining what in-home care services they are seeking. Regardless of the job, clarity is key. By knowing what services you are looking for, you are able to tailor searches to align to what best fits your needs.

The conversation about in-home care can be complex and filled with uncertainty. However, the conversation must be had. With these tips, you can take a difficult conversation and make it an empowering one. If you have any questions on how to start the conversations, please feel free to contact us today!