How to Talk to Loved Ones About Senior Care

Coming to terms with the fact that an older loved one is in need of help at home can be challenging. Even more challenging is knowing how to talk to loved ones about senior care, and encouraging them to agree that assistance is necessary. If you have viewed changes in your loved one and you sense the need to initiate speaking about home care as a solution to enhance safety and independence in the home, take our home care advice and try these conversation starters to broach the subject in a subtle, non-confrontational way.

If heightened frailty is getting to be an issue:

“I love you, Mom, and now that you’re living by yourself, I’m concerned about your safety. I know someone who can help us to make the home less dangerous and make it simpler for you to get around and remain independent. Can I have her come over to have a discussion with us? It would put my mind at rest.”

If there is a chance of falling or mobility has diminished:

“Since the time that you fell recently, I’ve been concerned about it happening again. I know someone who can come and give us recommendations on how to make the house safer and prevent falls from taking place. I’d love for us to get together and have a conversation with her and see what ideas she has for us.”

If declining personal hygiene has become an issue:

“I’d love to have someone come several times a week to assist you around the house. Let’s work together to find a person you’d feel comfortable with. We can work with a professional agency to locate someone who shares similar interests as you so you’ll not only have some help from time to time, but also a good friend to enjoy spending time with.”

When a senior can no longer safely drive:

“I know that being unable to drive and get out as much as you’re used to has been hard. If we hire a home care assistant for a few hours several times each week, you could get back to enjoying all the activities that you’ve been missing, like visiting friends, shopping, and running errands.”

Bear in mind that, for many older adults, agreeing to help at home can feel like surrendering independence, and you may have to have several conversations before a solution is reached. And if you need help determining how to talk to loved ones about senior care, let us know.

At San Diego Home Caregivers, we’re on hand to partner with your family to help make life not only safer, but more pleasurable and fulfilling as well by providing valuable home care advice and top-rated senior care. Learn more about our La Jolla elder care services and care throughout the surrounding communities by giving us a call today at (619) 487-9000, or by filling out our online contact form. We’re happy to help you learn more about our services, including Alzheimer’s care services.