Helping Older Adults Accept Having a Home Support Specialist

It is a difficult scenario many family caregivers have to deal with: your aging parents, who once looked after you, now resist the help they so urgently need. It’s a delicate balance between respecting their freedom and protecting their well-being and safety. When you’re in this position, you are not alone! We recognize the range of emotions that go along with accepting the need for help from a home support specialist, and have some suggestions that will help you and your loved ones get on the same page.

Keep Their Point of View in Mind

Try to wrap your mind around why this may be such a struggle for older adults. In many cases, it arises from a wish to retain self-sufficiency and control over their lives. Aging can be a daunting process, marked by physical and cognitive changes that can leave seniors feeling vulnerable. By declining support, they might be seeking to declare their autonomy and preserve a sense of dignity.

However, some parents don’t want to accept a home support specialist because of denial and fear. The change can feel like they’re giving up their independence. Additionally, some people may simply not understand how profound their limitations have become or even the available support options.

Coming to an Agreement About the Need for Care

So, what exactly can you do to navigate this? Most importantly, approach the conversation with empathy and understanding. Acknowledge your parents’ feelings and concerns, and assure them that your goal is to help them maintain their independence and quality of life.

Start with listening and being open to understanding why they’ve been refusing help so you can adjust your approach if need be. Reassure them that accepting help does not mean that they are losing control, but rather that they are ensuring they will be able to live at home safely and comfortably.

Compromise is always a great tool to help make progress with this transition. For example, if the idea of having assistance with baths or showers is off-putting, introduce the idea of help with running errands, housekeeping, and meal preparation. Once they get acquainted with and trust their caregiver with these types of less-intimidating services, it is easier to work your way up to other services.

If the older adult you love is still struggling with the transition, consider asking someone else to help, like a doctor. Often, hearing advice from an objective professional can carry more weight than coming from family.

Above all else, remember that this is a marathon, not a race. It might require multiple conversations and gentle persuasion before your parents feel at ease accepting help. Be persistent yet compassionate, and always prioritize their feelings and wishes.

At Sage Home Care, we have helped many older adults live fuller and more enriching lives at home, and we are here to help your parents whenever they are ready, with custom in-home support solutions in Pawling, Somers, South Salem, and the surrounding communities. We offer a complimentary in-home consultation to help you and your parents talk through the services that will best meet their needs. Call us any time at 800-578-4554.