When you start to detect the red flags that care in the home is required for someone you love, it is very common for that person to resist the idea. After all, admitting the necessity for help isn’t easy, especially for a person who appreciates their independence and privacy. But what do you do when another member of the family is in denial about parents needing help at home? If you’ve come to an impasse within your family in regards to the need for care for a loved one, read on for tips on how to come to an agreement.
Why Would a Family Member Deny the Need for Care at Home?
Denial is a coping mechanism employed to safeguard against feelings of helplessness or fear of an upcoming change. Your family member may feel more comfortable sticking their head into the sand in order to maintain status quo. Or, they may not be as familiar with the day-to-day care of the older adult as you are, so they are not seeing the exact same concerns.
Regardless of the reason behind the denial, there are several strategies to help you see eye to eye and make certain the person you both love receives the necessary support and care.
- Educate. Rather than arguing from your own perspective, turn to trustworthy resources to validate your opinion. Research information on the progression of a particular health issue the older adult is managing. Learn together about the challenges of growing older, the dangers of falls, when it might be time to hand over the car keys, etc., and use that education as the jumping-off point for a discussion on how best to ensure safety and comfort for a loved one.
- Listen. Communication is a two-way street, so make certain to listen at least as much as you are presenting your personal thoughts and concerns. Recognize and validate the person’s feelings. Try to the best of your ability to help keep the discussion calm and on an even keel, avoiding anger, sarcasm, and comments you might later regret.
- Reinforce. Bring in a professional third party to bolster the many benefits of home care services in your loved one’s particular situation. Make an appointment to talk to the older adult’s physician together. Often, hearing firsthand information from a healthcare expert is all that is required to help a family member in denial change their viewpoint.
Also, be aware that it may be beneficial to begin home care services gradually, and slowly build up to more services over time. For instance, Golden Harmony can start with preparing meals, light housekeeping, and running errands or providing transportation initially. As the caregiver and older adult form a bond of trust and companionship and the benefits of home care become more apparent, it’s then easy to add in more hours or extra care tasks, such as assistance with bathing and personal care needs.
When you’re ready to explore home care for someone you love, we are here to speak with you and your family about solutions and to answer any questions you might have. We can address any concerns a member of your family is feeling about starting home care during a complimentary consultation, right in the comfort of home.
Connect with Golden Harmony at 919-426-7522 any time to find out more or to get started.