November 19, 2019 | Aging Life Care, Caregiving, Maintaining Independence
Aging parents typically require some kind of outside support as their physical and/or cognitive abilities decline over time. When that day comes, it can be difficult for them to accept a “stranger” in their home. You may encounter resistance to hiring caregivers for help. Your parents may refuse the idea with comments such as, “it’s not necessary,” “it’s uncomfortable,” “it takes away our independence,” “it’s dangerous,” “it violates our privacy,” or other similar rebuttals.
While their questions and concerns may be valid, this doesn’t mean your aging parents don’t actually need the help. It may take some time for them to warm up to the idea of having caregivers in the home, but the effort is well worth it. Here are three tips to help encourage your parents to accept help at home:
1. Start Small
Initially, you can hire a trusted caregiver to come into the home to assist your parent with everyday household tasks such as laundry, driving to appointments, or grocery shopping. If needed, you can even suggest it be for a trial period. Eventually, the goal is for your parents to form a trusting relationship with the caregiver and allow them to provide more personal hands-on help over time.
2. Emphasize the Needs of Your Parent who is the Primary Caregiver
When one parent is dependent on the other for day-to-day care, the burden can become heavy for the spousal caregiver. Draw attention to this fact, and help the dependent parent to understand their spouse or partner needs the support for their own well-being.
3. Emphasize Your Own Need
The classic, “It’s not you, it’s me” explanation is appropriate in this situation. Let your parents know that having some outside help will give you peace of mind, and help you manage your personal stress. This tip is particularly potent if your parent lives alone and needs help and you cannot always be there.
Choosing Caregivers for Aging Parents
If you know where to look, finding good help for your aging parents can be easily accomplished. Not sure how? Call Windward Life Care for guidance about your options. Our team of caring professionals is here to help you get the local support you need.