Helping a Loved One Accept and Adjust to In Home Healthcare
It can be hard for someone to face up to the fact that they might need extra care. Whether they need a few hours of help each week or around-the-clock care, having to rely on other people is difficult to do. If you have a relative or perhaps a friend who needs some care, you might be worrying about how they’re feeling about it. It can be a difficult thing to accept, and some people can be resistant, even when it’s necessary to explore care options. If you want to make things easier for them, you can try doing some of the following things.
Give Them Control and Choice
Feeling like you’re out of control can be one of the worst things to experience for anyone. No one wants to feel like they can’t make their own decisions. Although some people who need care might have diminished capacity, many can still have a say in what they think is best for them. If someone you know needs care, it’s important to try and give them a voice as much as possible. They should be able to express their preferences and help to decide what is best for them. Don’t shut them out and discuss their care options as if they aren’t there.
Explore Care Options
There are usually a number of care options available to anyone who needs help. It’s important to explore the possibilities to find out what’s best for each individual and family. Some care options will allow people to stay in their homes, while others require a move so they can live in residential care facilities. Some options provide more independence and others can cater to more complex needs. It’s also worth considering specialist types of care. For example, senior care companions can provide a carer who is more mature and perhaps able to relate better to their client. Remember to involve the person who requires care when you’re looking at different options.
Help to Maintain Independence
Staying independent is a priority for most people as they get older. If you want to help someone stay as independent as possible, there are a few things to consider. One thing to think about is their living environment. How can you make it easier for them to get around their home and do everyday tasks? This could involve making adaptations or perhaps moving home. Of course, the right care can also help someone to stay independent, as can other services.
Make Plans for the Future
The thought of being unable to make your own decisions in the future is frightening. But you can help to ease someone’s mind by encouraging them to think about things while they still can. They can make a living will to set out their desires for how they want to be cared for and what medical treatment they want to receive. It gives them more control over what will happen in the future.
Accepting that you need care is hard, but you can help to make it easier for someone. Treating them with dignity and respect helps to smooth things over.