Talking with a loved one about needing to transition to home care can be a difficult task. For a parent, having this discussion can indicate that they are in the process of losing their independence. Your parent might have declining health which is also a concern. The good news is that having a conversation about home care can be a positive and helpful experience. At Prestige Home Care Agency, we help families make the right decisions for their unique needs.

• Talk about the positives.
One of the best ways to make a conversation about home care run smoothly is by focusing on the benefits that might come from the transition. Many families begin by discussing the differences between an assisted living facility and home care.

For most elderly people, the thought of aging at home is much more appealing to them than the thought of aging in a facility. Home care allows individuals to stay in their comfort zone while also offering families the chance to save money by only paying for hours that they need.

• Discuss benefits for others.
Another way to approach the conversation about home care is by expressing how much it will benefit you as the caregiver. For example, you might say something like “Mom, I don’t feel comfortable leaving you here by yourself and this makes it challenging for me when I need to leave the house to run errands or go to work.” You can also say something like “Mom, wouldn’t it be great if you had another adult here to help you with laundry and meals?”

If you gear the conversation toward the benefits of home care, your loved one might be less resistant about accepting the help. Remember not to make your loved one feel like a burden but mention how it can sometimes be stressful being the only one responsible for his or her needs.

• Seek professional help.
If your loved one is especially resistant to discussing the option of home care, then you might want to consider looking for professional help. You can also discuss your concerns with your loved one’s primary care doctor. Geriatric care managers can also be of assistance.