How to Talk to Your Parents About Getting a Live-in Carer?
Older people require our help. As they age, their bodies become weaker and weaker, so they are often unable to cope with even simple daily tasks. This is quite normal. Nevertheless, seniors often do not admit that they need help and do not want to hear about hiring a live-in carer. This is why it is so important to consider your parent care options in advance and how to convince your loved ones that they need help.
Today we discuss for you the advantages of home care for elderly parents and employing a live-in carer so that you can convince your loved ones and provide the best possible parental care.
How do you recognise when your parents need a live-in carer?
Before we go into how to convince ageing parents that they need live-in carer support, let’s consider when such help is needed.
Hygiene and housekeeping troubles
The first sign that a senior needs round-the-clock care is the neglect of basic activities such as personal hygiene, nutrition and housekeeping. If you see that your parent has a dirty flat, doesn’t look clean or has an empty fridge, this is the first sign that it’s time to start caring for elderly parents.
Health and mobility status
Another qualifying factor for providing care for elderly parents is their health and their mobility and dexterity. If your loved one has problems with mobility, eyesight, or arthritis or is beginning to have memory problems and symptoms of dementia, they could use some help then they most likely need a professional live-in carer.
Withdrawal from social life
Seniors often also face social challenges if they can no longer drive and meet people. Therefore, a reluctance to leave the house and interact with people is another sign that care is needed for the elderly parent. If this is the case, the best idea is to find a live-in carer to provide companionship and take the seniors to places where they can meet other seniors.
Advantages of a live-in carer handy in a conversation with parents
Below you will find the key advantages of employing a live-in carer that will be useful when talking about parents’ care.
No change in the environment
A professional live-in carer usually lives together with the senior and adapts to their lifestyle. This sets this form of care for elderly parents apart from even a move to a care home, which involves stress for the senior.
24-hour assistance
Employing a 24-hour live-in carer is the best way to provide round-the-clock one-on-one assistance.
Cooking and housekeeping
Live-in carer duties usually include cooking, cleaning and shopping, so the senior has support on all fronts.
Transport
A 24-hour live-in carer is a person who can support the seniors to socialise and give them a sense of independence by giving them a lift and accompanying them to different places.
Security
Employing a 24-hour live-in carer is also a way to ensure the safety of seniors, who often become easy targets for criminals.
Top five tips for discussing care options with your parents
Here are five key tips to help you talk to your ageing parents about home care for the elderly parents and employing a live-in carer.
- Be prepared
Prepare and plan your conversation about parents’ care. Think about what you want to discuss, who should be present and where and when it should be done. By knowing in advance what needs to be covered, you will be sure to keep the conversation focused and present the idea of hiring a live-in carer appropriately.
- Do not delay the conversation
Discussing the option of live-in care before your parents need it can remove some of the pressure and give them time to get used to the idea. Talking about care early on can give them more time to make those difficult decisions and research.
- Identify your parents’ needs
Consider what type of care your parent is likely to need and what their preferences are for a potential live-in carer. Consider how your parent copes with things such as washing, eating and social life, mobility and memory. Without knowing what they need help with, it can be difficult to provide appropriate care.
- Ask and listen
Don’t make decisions for your parents but with them. Try to involve them in the process. Ask about their needs, preferences and what they don’t want to agree to. Take their opinions into account and make compromises. This will help you reach a mutually satisfactory agreement and the best possible parent care more quickly.
- Be patient
Your parents may be sceptical about hiring a live-in carer at first, as it may seem to them that they will then lose their freedom and independence. Therefore, be patient and be aware that the case is unlikely to close in one conversation. Remain calm and take the time to discuss all options and give your parents a chance to think things through.
How to talk to your parents about getting a live-in carer?
The most important when talking to parents about hiring a live-in carer is to be prepared to have the conversation and be calm and decisive. It is worth making your parents aware that they are important to you and that you have their best interests at heart. And in doing so, don’t forget their wishes and preferences. Good luck!
