If the time has come for your elderly parent to receive senior home care services, you may be having a hard time talking to your parent about the topic.
They may refuse such services or not even fully understand that they need help with daily living to live as full and healthy of a life as possible.
At Home Instead, we want to help you and your parent through this complicated time.
Understanding why seniors refuse home care can help you be better prepared to address the topic of home help with your parent.
There are also some steps you can take to communicate with your loved one on this sensitive topic—we’ll address these topics in this article.
Why Seniors Refuse Care
While every senior is different, there are a few common reasons why your elderly parent may refuse care.
Losing Dignity and Independence
Seniors may feel like they are losing their dignity by accepting help as they get older. It can be hard to admit that they are no longer able to live a completely independent life.
The fact that someone else has to help them make this decision can further complicate the matter and make them feel a bit out of control of their own lives.
Lack of Trust
Other seniors may feel a lack of trust when letting someone new into their home to provide caregiving services.
It can be difficult to let someone new into your life and your personal space, especially when you already feel vulnerable about your changing needs.
Financial Concerns
If your elderly parent struggles with finances, this could be a very important and understandable reason that they are hesitant to begin home care.
They may not want to be a financial burden on you as their child and may have concerns about being able to afford care.
How to Communicate With Your Parent About Home Care
Now that you know why your parent may be hesitant to begin senior home care, it may be easier to communicate with them about receiving home help.
Here are some tips that can help you discuss your parent’s needs in a productive and caring way that helps them feel empowered while making this important decision.
- Highlight how well your parent has been taking care of their own well-being while highlighting that it would be easier on them to share the burden of caring for their changing health needs. This will help them feel that they are keeping their dignity and show that you still respect them as your parent.
- Give examples of times you have needed help so your parent doesn’t feel alone in the situation. You might even want to mention that you would appreciate senior care services for yourself as you age.
- If cost is a concern, gently mention that refusing assistance needed to safely live day-to-day could lead to more costly health concerns down the road.
- Ask your parent what their concerns are outright. If they are still hesitant to clearly communicate what’s holding them back, try to read between the lines and use your knowledge of your loved one to understand what might be worrying them about home care and approach the topic from that angle.
It’s important to keep the conversation honest and open and ensure your loved one feels valued and that they have control over their own life. Make sure to always approach your communication with love and respect.
When to Seek Guidance
If you have followed the advice above and your elderly parent still refuses senior home care, it may be time to seek professional assistance.
It is especially important to do so if your parent’s limitations are a threat to their health and well-being.
Resources such as your parent’s primary doctor or other trusted relatives are a good starting place if you aren’t sure where to turn.
Home Instead can also help make your elderly parent’s transition to senior caregiving easier. We provide leading home care in Lafayette, Broussard, Youngsville, St. Martin, and the surrounding areas to meet their needs.
Contact us today to learn more about the options you have to provide your elderly parent with the caring and attentive home help they deserve.
