Aging may be frightening especially if home care is discussed. Seniors often dread the unknown, such as the loss of independence and the long-term consequences of significant medical issues. This anxiety may explain why many seniors are hesitant to seek treatment and, in some cases, are even secretive about any new symptoms they are experiencing. As a family member taking care of elderly parents or grandparents, you have to find ways to deal with stress, anxiety, anger, and stubbornness. It can be hard to do. Home care services can be a great help.
Sometimes instead of trying to take care of your parents yourself can be too challenging, or you may not have enough time. 24-hour home caregivers are professionals who are trained in caring for seniors and others. They can be one of the best people to hire to help take care of a senior who wants to age in place. 24-hour home care specialists may help you deal with stubborn parents easier.
It may be distressing to see your parents make risky choices. The transition from care receiver to provider causes an identity problem for many adult offspring. It’s never easy to navigate this difficult terrain. You’ll need to keep your emotions in control to assist your parents in managing their physical and emotional demands.
Be Consistent
Patience and perseverance go a long way toward making talks fruitful. Don’t go in expecting everything to be addressed in a single session. Be patient since you will most likely have to bring your concerns to your parents many times. Giving a senior too much information or asking too many questions can increase fear in seniors and make them less responsive. Being consistent and providing a little information will be the best way to get seniors to understand what is happening.
Be Sensitive
Being insensitive will put your parents in a defensive mode and may make them more stubborn. Understanding their feelings and avoiding telling them they don’t know how to manage their own lives can be mean and not win over your seniors.
Learn What Times Work Best
Timing is everything when it comes to seniors. Productive chats are never held when everyone is worried or fatigued. Make a point of having difficult talks with your parents on days when they are comfortable rather than sad or nervous.
Spend More Time With Them
Even if you hire 24-hour home care, it is good to spend time with your senior parents. When you spend more time with them, you build a trusting relationship, and they will be more comfortable taking your advice. As your parents become older, they’ll probably welcome a bit of extra attention. Your encounters with them may become more harmonic if they know you prioritize the connection rather than cramming it into a tight schedule.
Be Honest About Consequences
Sometimes being honest is the best policy, and helping them understand the consequences is one of the best ways to go. It can be the driving push they need to change their lifestyle habits. Don’t use punishing language or speak to them as if they’re children. Instead, tell children that their activities transcend beyond the family.
The staff at Home Care Matters is available to talk with you and your family about all of your needs. Home Care Matters is a home care agency providing quality and affordable Home Care in Gainesville, GA, and the surrounding areas.
Call (770) 965.4004 for more information.
We provide home care in Braselton, Buford, Dacula, Duluth, Flowery Branch, Gainesville, Johns Creek, Lawrenceville, Oakwood, Sugar Hill, Suwanee, Barrow County, Forsyth County, Gwinnett County, Hall County, Jackson County, North Fulton County.
Valerie has the unique experience with home care as she has experienced it from both ends of the spectrum, as a caregiver and as needing care herself as a cancer survivor. Valerie says, “Taking care of someone you love is a physically, mentally and demanding labor of love.Taking care of my mom was the hardest thing I have ever done. It has given me an insight and perspective not many people understand unless you are doing it or have done it.I loved taking care of my mom.I love helping others take care of their love ones too.And now that I’ve been sick, it’s given me a whole new level of empathy and understanding for those who are sick and need help.”
Valerie’s schedule varies daily, but she loves visiting with our clients, families, caregivers, our network partners and being in the office.Says Valerie, “Every day is different, but I wake up excited about what we do, inspired by our team, clients and caregivers.I strive to be a resource to the community.I love my team and I love what we do every day. I like to think my mom would be proud.”
You can reach Valerie by email (Valerie@homecarematters.com) or in our office (770.965.4004).
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