Do you have an aging parent? Do you worry about their health, happiness, and safety? If you answered yes to these questions, you are probably looking for tips to start the conversation about home care. It’s not easy to start this conversation, especially if it’s the first time you are approaching the subject with your parent. Keep reading for our tips on how to prepare for and have the conversation with your parent.

Prepare for the Conversation

Like anything, it’s important to do your research before discussing home care with your parent. This will help set you up for success as you will be informed about the options available to your loved one. While your parent will have the ultimate decisions about their life, staying educated will allow you to be as helpful as possible as they age.

• Write a list of your concerns.

Ask yourself what you are worried about for your parent. This may include the parent not living in a safe home environment, having health issues, or struggling with activities of daily living (ADLs). Common ADLs include bathing, dressing, eating, grooming, and managing medications. It’s a good idea to ask other family members to share their concerns about your parent. Add this valuable information to your list.

• Learn about your parent’s options.

Before you start this conversation, remember to do your research. Check out the home care options in your area and the services offered. It can be difficult to admit how much help your parent needs, but taking a look at the choices in your area is a good first step. Your parent may be concerned about receiving help during a pandemic, so it’s also a good idea to ask each facility about their policies towards the pandemic and safety in general.

• Listen to their wants and needs about their living setting.

Remember that ultimately, your parent will make the decision about where and how they live. When they are able to live in a place where they are safe, healthy, and happy, this will have a significant impact on the quality of their life. Maintaining their independence will be a top priority among aging parents. By listening to their wants and needs, this will make the conversation go much more smoothly.

Have a Productive Conversation About Home Care

Now that you have prepared for the conversation, the next step is to have a conversation about senior living choices with your parent. The following tips can help you navigate this touchy subject in a way that is productive and empathetic to your loved one’s needs.

• Start the conversation early.

Rather than waiting for a medical emergency, it’s recommended to have this important conversation as early as possible. This will give your loved one time to think about their options and make a decision without being rushed. After all, this is a life-altering choice that deserves some serious thought.

• Talk in person.

If possible, it’s best to have this conversation in person. When this isn’t possible, the next best option is to have a video call, so you can see each other. This can make it easier to read your loved one’s emotions and facial expressions, which will determine when it’s time to take a break and continue the conversation at a later time. Choose a time when you are both calm and not distracted. This talk deserves you and your loved one’s full focus.

• Listen to them.

During your conversation, actively listen to your parent’s concerns. It’s normal for them to feel worried about changing their living arrangements, depending on their health conditions. It’s essential that you recognize their feelings and ask questions, which will help you better understand their point of view. By doing this, this will show them that you care about them and respect their wishes.

• Be empathetic.

Rather than feeling sorry for your aging parent, it’s better to be empathetic. Using a caring, calm voice and demeanor will show how much you care about your parent and that you understand their feelings they are having. It can be difficult to accept that they need help maintaining their independence either at home. By recognizing and listening to their concerns, this shows your parent that you care.

• Keep the conversation going.

Since this is a big conversation, it makes sense that you will continue talking about this topic overtime. This can make it easier for your loved one to digest and take their time with figuring out the best choice for their health needs. 

• Remember it’s their choice.

Always remember that it’s your parent’s choice as to where they live. In most cases, your parent will prefer to live at home, which is the place they know and love. As long as their doctor approves that they can still live safely at home, it’s best to respect your parent’s wishes. They will appreciate your support and care as they ease into the natural aging process.

We hope you found this week’s article helpful discussing our top tips for starting the conversation about home care with your parent. It may be challenging to get the conversation started, but it’s always better to do it before a medical emergency. This will give your parent time to consider their options and discuss with their doctor about the best choice for their needs. Contact Liberty HomeCare and Hospice Services today to learn more about our home care services offered in NC, SC, and VA.