6 Tips for Discussing In-Home Care with Your Loved One

#1: Choose the Right Time to Talk

Don’t bring up in-home care out of the blue. Talking about in-home care before your loved one needs it or an emergency occurs gives you both time to evaluate needs and logistics. Let your loved one know before your discussion that you’ve been thinking about the idea and want to talk about it with them. That gives them time to gather their thoughts and opinions.

Pick a time of day when your senior is relaxed and alert to enable productive dialogue. Stressful moments and busy events aren’t ideal for chatting, so wait until you can speak with them one-on-one.

#2: Prepare Yourself for the Conversation

Do your homework so you can present your information logically. That can support the conversation if your senior becomes agitated or emotional. Learn about different types of senior care, like personal assistance, clinical support and companion care.

Here are additional suggestions to help you prepare:

• Review your loved one’s health needs and recent incidents.
• Research local services and providers.
• Talk with their doctor and other professionals for input.
• Gather brochures and pamphlets with service details.
• Provide testimonials for your loved one to review.

Have a goal in mind for the initial conversation, but don’t expect to reach a resolution. That may include simply bringing the topic to your loved one’s attention or giving them informational material to read at their leisure.

#3: Choose the Right Setting

The right environment can influence your loved one’s willingness to engage. A noisy room full of people isn’t ideal for a discussion. Find a quiet, calm location where you can sit and focus on one another. Speaking with your senior individually shows them you respect their dignity, especially when conversing about a sensitive subject. The right setting also gives your loved one privacy to process their feelings and express their emotions without judgment.

#4: Use Empathy and Active Listening

Remember, this is a conversation, not a lecture. Talking at your loved one without giving them a chance to respond can trigger a negative response. It’s natural for them to experience a range of emotions, and they have a right to express their thoughts on their lifestyle.

Approach the topic of in-home care from a place of understanding and give your senior opportunities to share their thoughts, even if they differ from yours.

Be an active listener by:

• Facing them during the conversation
• Waiting until they finish speaking before responding
• Using verbal and non-verbal cues
• Restating or summarizing their points
• Asking open-ended questions

#5: Address Common Concerns and Fears

Change can be difficult, so it’s important to acknowledge your loved one’s feelings. Validating their concerns can help them work through their hesitations and approach the discussion with an open mind.

Your loved one may be concerned about:

• A loss of independence
• Finances
• Privacy
• Negative experiences
• Embarrassment

Talking about those issues allows you to work together to find a positive solution. Doing so can also improve their understanding and acceptance of their situation.

#6: Involve Them in The Process

Your loved one should take part in every part of the process if they wish. They may want to speak with their doctor and contact service providers on their own after your talk.

Consulting them will give insight into their preferences so you can find the right service. They might be less likely to resist the idea of working with an in-home aide or nurse if they feel empowered to make the choice themselves. You’ll build trust between you and your loved one and help them lay the foundation for a positive working relationship with their provider.

Next Steps

The decision to start in-home care shouldn’t be made after a single conversation. Give your senior time to think about your talk and revisit the topic later. Agree on a date to reconvene to avoid brushing off the topic. Take notes during your chats so you can reference previous points during follow-up discussions. If your loved one wants more information about in-home personal and clinical services, direct them toward appropriate resources or ask their doctor for guidance.

Comprehensive Care with a Personal Touch

Embassy Healthcare is committed to providing unique healthcare solutions based on each patient’s needs and preferences. We offer adult daycare to support your loved one’s independence so they can age in place. Contact us for more information.