Your loved one might wish to age in their own home, instead of moving to an assisted living community. The familiarity of a parent or family member’s own home promotes a less stressful environment for those battling with dementia or Alzheimer.
Start by speaking with your parent or family member about senior home care. Be prepared for an abrasive response for many suffering from memory loss are in denial, however, remain firm of the situation. Though a difficult conversation, having an open dialogue can make the transition easier. Once a decision is reached, it is time to make the move forward. Remember this is a process that involves you and loved one with memory loss, so execute communication and patience. A golden rule is to always consider the position of the individual dealing with memory loss. Now the challenge family’s face is selecting the right senior home care.
Here are a few easy steps to help your parent or family member move into senior home care.
Communication
Remember your loved one will be engaging and depending on a stranger for their day to day care. Your aging loved one is emotionally vested with the familiarity of those in their household and abrasive toward the care of a stranger. It is okay for them to express sadness, anger, or a defensive behavior. Allow them time to grieve about the change, and give them time to talk about how they want to live. Go over the benefits of senior home care and let them know that they will have input in selecting their caregiver of choice. Additionally, mention that the caregiver is a highly trained professional. Nevertheless, this open communication can guide a loved one into the next step of their elderly life. One of the biggest obstacles of elder home care is the sensation of dependency and loss of control. Additionally, allow your family member to have as much control as possible.
Plan and Research
Before home care transition is a go, it is recommended to research the senior home care company and its caregivers. Research how reputable the home care company is and how long they have been in business? What training regiments do caregivers undergo? Further research, what are the terms in contract for pricing, length of services, and care? Naturally, this will be a slightly stressful time, however, consider what is in the greater interest of one’s family member or loved one. Involving the loved one in the decision making, can alleviate a portion of their anxiety toward the situation. Getting a head start on the planning ensures no hasty decision-making is made. Though stressful for all involved, planning ahead reduces the tension for everyone.
Enlist Family
Encourage siblings or relatives to help with the change that is to come. Even younger children can comfort and encourage the aging loved one. This helps everyone bond and demonstrates support all around for the family member. Additionally, your parent or family member will embrace home care in a positive manner with the encouragement and support around them.
Organize
Ensure a friendly introduction between caregiver, aging loved one, and family is established. In advanced to the caregiver’s first care sitting, map out each room in the house, categorizing objects, list important medication, and daily activities. Familiarizing the caregiver with the home and mapping out a daily routine to follow will make it easier for your loved one to progress. Keep in mind, that the beginning of the process can be difficult, however, it will result in peace of mind for all.
Finishing Touches
Even after your relative battling with memory loss begins senior home care, there are loose-ends to tie-up. Be sure to stay involved and continue to be aware of daily activity. Hence, it is important for the family to establish an open line of communication with the caregiver. Always have a clear understanding of receiving updates on the loved one’s care.
Select Home Care in Westlake Village is a leader in offering premier 24 hour care, hospice care, dementia home care, and companionship cares for seniors. Trusted by healthcare professionals, Select Home Care serves a vital role in helping people live more independent lives outside of institutions and keeping them closer to their families. For more information on selecting the right senior home care or about Select Home Care’s senior care services please call 800-993-1657 or visit selecthomecare.com.
