The step from completely independent living to home care can be difficult for both your elderly parent and yourself. However, there are many steps that you can take to make the transition easier and to ensure that your senior gets the care that they need in the golden years of their life. Then, read on for more information on what you should do when your parent finally needs home care.
Talk to Them
The first and most important step that you should take when your parent is showing signs of needing home care is to talk to them, especially if they have not brought the subject up themselves. You should make sure that you choose a time when they are relaxed and ready to listen, and you should only bring up the subject when they are ready for it.
You should discuss your concerns gently and clearly and explain in detail why you believe that home care might be the right option for them. This is particularly important if they do not think that they need home care or if they are adamant that they do not want it.
Give Them Agency
You should then ensure that your elderly parent is part of the decision-making process. You should make sure that they have a say in the senior home care service that you choose and that you explain any decisions that you want to make before you make them.
You should also allow them to speak to the service that you choose on the phone and allow them to try different services before they find the right one for them. You should also make sure that they understand that they can speak to you about any concerns that they may have once they are having regular home care, as this will enable you to solve any problems before they act as a detriment to your loved one’s health.
Find the Right Service
If you have decided that they need home care, the next step that you should take is to find the right home care service for them. Not every home care service is made equal, and there might be some differences in the type of conditions or the level of care that they treat and perform.
Then, you should research multiple different home care services before you decide on one and try to look at real reviews. You should also ensure that this service is within your budget and that they can look after your loved one to the best of their ability.
Stay with Them
For the first session, you should ensure that you stay with your loved one while the home care comes. Not only may you be able to explain what your elderly parent needs better than your elderly parent might, but this can also allow you to check that your loved one is comfortable and that you have made the right decision in terms of the home care service that you have chosen with your parent.
