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Apr 29

Talking to Your Parents About In-Home Care

It’s not uncommon for adult children to delay discussing their parents’ need for home care assistance near St. George. Many seniors resist the idea that they need help. It’s ideal to broach the subject before your parents truly need senior care, such as when they suffer a serious injury in a fall or are rushed to the hospital because of a stroke. Discussing the matter periodically over a prolonged time period can help your parents become adjusted to the idea that senior helpers can allow them to remain in their own homes for as long as possible.

Choose the Right Time

Members of the “sandwich generation”—who are individuals caring for aging parents and their own children—are certainly no strangers to busy schedules. It may be tempting to talk about home care services while dropping in on your parents to make sure they’ve eaten breakfast. However, it’s best to save these conversations for a time during which you aren’t rushed and can give your parents your full attention. Additionally, choose a time of day when your parents are more likely to be well rested and alert.

Discuss Your Concerns

You might begin the conversation by discussing your concerns for your parents’ welfare. For example, you could mention that you’re concerned your father skipped taking his medication last week or that your mother nearly fell in the bathroom the other day. Let your parents know that arranging senior care services would greatly alleviate your worries.

Ask about Your Parents’ Preferences

As long as your parents have the mental capacity, it’s ultimately their decision as to whether they want a caregiver, and if so, for which services. Ask your parents how they envision spending their golden years. Discuss how at-home senior care can facilitate independent living and let your parents know that you will respect their wishes.

Explore Available Services Together

You can suggest to your parents that you explore local services together to gain a better understanding of what’s available when help is needed. Turning this search into a collaborative project with your parents may help reduce their resistance to the idea of needing help because it gives them a measure of control.

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