Before we skip ahead and talk about "what should I say to mom or dad to get them to accept services," we need to pause and put ourselves in their shoes to understand what they're feeling.
You probably remember your mom or dad as 8 feet tall, able to juggle a dozen complex tasks at once, all with a broad smile on their face. They probably remember things that way too. It's no fun to admit when you need a little help in the home. Nor is it easy to talk to loved ones about the subject.
People often think having someone come into their homes to help them is humiliating, taking away a bit of their freedom, and the first step toward a nursing home.
So it's important to tread lightly when you have this conversation. We can assure everyone, our only goal when we come to help is to increase the client's freedom and independence, not take it away.
All too often, we've seen people refuse home care, thinking they'll always be able to care for themselves because they have before. Then they hurt themselves carrying laundry down stairs, fall in the home when a new medication causes weakness, or just exhaust themselves trying to keep up. It's at that moment that choices like having home care get taken away, and a hospital stay and possibly a nursing home stay are required. Some people are never the same after an in-home trauma.
Some of the great benefits of home care are allowing us to carry some of the burden, so life is more manageable. Having someone check in on you every few days and a nurse coming by to coordinate your care with your doctor are often lifesavers. Are you having an adverse reaction to a new medication, but you're not sure if it's worthy to call your doctor? We'll do it. Do you need a little help with exercises to re-strengthen your hip before you can work in the garden again? We'll be there to assist.
Home care never aims to reduce your independence. We're there to enhance it.
