What if My Elderly Loved One Refuses Assistance at Home?

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What to Do When Your Senior Parent Refuses Help in Waterloo, ON

Home care offers a variety of services to ensure your senior parent’s wellbeing, yet it’s common for aging adults to refuse help at first. Although this can be frustrating, it’s important to remain calm and continue using the following strategies to help your loved one understand the benefits provided by an in-home caregiver.

Suggest Starting with One Service

Many older adults refuse assistance at home because they’re concerned it means losing their independence. Begin by suggesting hiring a caregiver who can tackle a dreaded chore such as preparing meals. Once your parent realizes the freedom this can bring, he or she may be more likely to accept additional help.

Living independently is important for seniors who want to maintain a high quality of life. For some, this simply means receiving help with tasks that have become more challenging to manage over time. Even when families have the best intentions, they may not have the time to provide the care their elderly loved ones need and deserve. If your loved one needs help for a few hours a day or a few days a week, reach out to Home Care Assistance, a trusted provider of respite care Waterloo seniors can depend on.

Seek a Professional Opinion

When refusing home care compromises physical health, it’s necessary to act quickly. If your parent has a strong rapport with his or her physician or nurses, asking them to recommend home care and stress its importance t could change your parent’s mind.

Many older adults are choosing to age in place, and some need a helping hand to continue living at home safely and comfortably. Luckily, there is professional at-home care seniors can trust and rely on.

Focus on the Social Benefits

Independent seniors may feel as though they can manage their daily routines perfectly well, yet loneliness is still a common concern. Suggest having an in-home companion stop by a few times a week to provide some conversation and stimulating activities.

Make It About You

Listing all of your parent’s challenges will only lead to denial and anger. Instead, appeal to your parent’s desire to know you’re happy by explaining how home care would provide you with peace of mind. The realization that you’re acting out of concern may encourage your parent to consider the emotional benefits of home care.

Schedule an Initial Meeting

Scheduling an initial visit can alleviate negative opinions regarding home care. During this visit, your parent can talk to a potential caregiver, who will explain how his or her assistance can promote independence, as well as the Care Manager who will be overseeing all care services. Once your loved one has met the caregiver, suggest a trial run during which he or she can decide on the services included in the care plan, such as grocery shopping, medication reminders, transportation assistance, and light housekeeping.

When considering home care, Waterloo, ON, families should make sure their senior loved ones have the resources they need to maintain their independence and remain healthy. Trusted in-home care professionals can assist seniors with daily tasks like cooking, bathing, and exercise, and they can also encourage them to focus on healthier lifestyle habits. If your loved one needs professional care, Home Care Assistance is here to help. Call one of our dedicated Care Managers today at (519) 954-2111 to learn about the high quality of our in-home care services.

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