While many aging adults naturally embrace a new caregiver coming into their lives to help them thrive and enjoy a higher quality of life, there are some seniors who may still feel uncomfortable. At Endeavor In Home Care, we’re sensitive to the feelings of each senior we serve, and are skilled in helping to ease the concerns surrounding home care.
Aging adults who have concerns about home care services and want to convince their family that a caregiver is simply not needed may implement one of these common strategies:
- Distancing from family and friends. The aging adult may be irritable and aggressive when refusing necessary support from family members. For instance, an adult child who usually accompanies the senior to medical appointments may now be banned by the senior from coming into the exam room.
- Concealing activities. If an agreement has been made for the person to stop driving, for example, they may continue to drive when no one is around. Another example is refusing to adhere to a diabetic diet, eating unhealthily in private.
- Making harmful choices. A person who is encouraged to rest and allow someone else to handle a task that may now be unsafe, such as climbing a ladder to replace a lightbulb, might do just the opposite. This is to show that they are still capable of activities such as this, and could lead to a fall and serious injury.
- Arguing. Underlined frustrations of feeling incapable of self-care may manifest as more frequent arguments, even over seemingly trivial matters. It’s important to understand the underlying sense that the person needs to prove their ability to stay in control and in charge.
How Can You Help Ease Their Concerns Surrounding Home Care?
At the end of the day, people want to feel like they can handle themselves, and it’s humbling to feel like you’re in a state of decline. It’s important to validate the important role the person continues to play in our lives, and let them know often that they are valued and needed. Several ways to accomplish this include:
- Enlist the person’s help in meaningful tasks.
- Ask the senior for advice.
- Spend plenty of time listening to and engaging in conversations with the person.
- Reminisce regarding ways the person has impacted your life.
A professional caregiver from Endeavor In Home Care will comprehend the many concerns surrounding home care older adults experience and the ways in which those emotions may present. All of our caregivers are trained and experienced in helping restore a sense of self-worth and satisfaction in life.
Contact us online or at (480) 498-2324 for more tips and resources to pave the way to a smoother journey through aging! We provide a complimentary in home consultation to answer any questions you have and to recommend a care plan to address the individual needs of a senior you love.