When your parent has difficulty completing everyday tasks or poses a safety risk, home care is an option for maintaining independence in their own home. To learn more about benefits of home care and types of senior homecare services please visit www.brightstarcare.com/senior-home-care.

1. Having “The Talk” With Your Aging Parents
Source: http://www.brightstarcare.com/st-croix-valley/2013/06/18/having-the-talk-with-your-aging-parents/
- By Sini Stjernswärd-Ross

2. When your parent shows signs of difficulty in completing everyday tasks
or poses a safety risk to herself, home care may be an option that allows
her to maintain independence while providing peace of mind for the
family. Introducing the idea of hiring outside help to a parent can be a
touchy situation.

3. Break the ice
Most people are in denial about their health and think that they are
“just fine” until crisis hits. A softer approach to the concept of
accepting care is to talk about another’s situation. Share both positive
and not-so-positive stories; ask your parents what they liked and
disliked about those situations. Steer the conversation into the kind of
care that they would prefer should the need ever arise. This
conversation helps the family create a customized care plan that
respects your parents’ wishes.

4. Realize it’s not about you
It’s about them. Finding the right incentive eases the transition.
I remember meeting with a caregiving husband and his wife. She was
wheelchair-bound. He was exhausted and invited us to come in to set
up weekly bath visits and respite breaks for him. She was upset that we
were there until I asked, “What is your biggest fear about your health?”
She answered that she didn’t want to land in a nursing home. As soon
as I said that our goal was to help her stay out of the nursing home her
attitude changed completely. Every time a caregiver came, she
positively stated, “You are here to help me stay out of the nursing
home.”

5. Ask your parents their preferences
Do they prefer to age at home? Would they rather be in a community
with social interaction? What are their fears and concerns about
aging? Focus on listening with empathy; avoid the urge to tell them
what you think they need.

6. Have your family physician write a “Prescription”
Advice from the family doctor carries clout with the senior population.
Share your concerns about your parents’ living situation, ability to
perform normal “activities of daily living” and any health or safety
concerns that you have. This information will help the physician get a
complete picture of what your parents are experiencing.

7. Have a family meeting
Bring in a neutral third party–a trusted friend, pastor, priest, rabbi or
an elder social worker–to mediate the dialog and get input from your
parents and family members. Having a third party lead the meeting
helps to insure that everyone is engaged in the conversation and has
an opportunity to voice their opinion in a safe and comfortable
manner.

8. Observe and document
Keep track of any instances of difficulty navigating normal activities
and any safety issues that have occurred.

9. Nursing Assessment
Many home care agencies offer nursing assessments, an opportunity
for your parent to review medications and health and safety concerns
they may have. The nurse could then offer ideas to address those
concerns, including home care.

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