4 Things to Remember When Discussing Home Care Services With Your Elderly Parents

Dealing with elderly parents can feel a bit odd for most people. Your parents are the ones who cared for you no matter what. They’ve seen you at your absolute worst, watched you do horrible things to them, and still they love you no matter what. Now, it’s starting to be that time when you finally return the favor.

On average, 63 years old is the age of retirement in the United States, but that doesn’t mean most people immediately need serious medical and home care at that age. It just means that maybe you all, as a family, should start thinking about it. Talking to your aging parents can be difficult because of the awkwardness of it all, but if you are respectful to them, hear what they have to say, and show them why hiring a home care service might be right for them, eventually, they could be happier as a result.

Here are a few things you should keep in mind when mentioning senior care services to your parents.

Make a Plan

You can’t just go into this conversation with nothing tangible to show them or just wing the conversation. They’ll see right through any fake sentiments you’re giving off if you’re not genuine. It’s important for you to really think about all the options, scenarios and reasons why this is right for them. Show them you actually took the time to think in their best interests and not just for convenient purposes.

Show Them the Benefits

Show your parents how receiving this type of care can benefit the entire family. Maybe it’ll free up more time for their grandkids to see them. Maybe you will be able to get that big promotion at work. Or maybe it’ll just allow you all to get closer as a family. Another major benefit of home care services is that they’ll be able to actually stay in their own home. Wholly 90% of elders want to remain in their home as they grow older, and this will enable them to do so.

Encourage Them to Find New Hobbies and Activities

It’s important to let them know that just because they’re going to receive a little more attention from care providers, that doesn’t mean they can’t have fun. Encourage them to find a new hobby, project, or activity that they can spend their time on and accomplish. Maybe they can even work with the home care assistant to accomplish something. The more activities retirees engage in, the better. The happiest seniors participate in around four regular activities while the least happy only do one or two.

LISTEN to Them

The most important thing you need to do when discussing these issues with your aging loved ones is to actually listen to what they have to say. You can’t just force this on them, because it will inevitably have a negative effect. Hear how they feel about growing older, about receiving this type of care, what they want to do, and, again, truly listen to what they have to say.

They are your parents after all, and they deserve the best care in the world.