Taking care of an older adult is a full-time job, and juggling that with your own responsibilities can quickly become an impossible task. Even with the offer of hospice care at home, some seniors refuse this option. They typically believe that they don’t need help with everyday tasks even though they’ve struggled to open the fridge or cut their food. Unfortunately, this is a common occurrence; home care can be a very sensitive subject. The senior in question may perceive this as an insult to their capabilities and a waste of resources.
Tips for Convincing Your Senior Relatives
However, there are many benefits to home health services, especially when you receive the best hospice care in Atlanta. Here are a few tips to ease your senior relatives into the concept of hospice care at home:
- Introduce the Idea Slowly. Suppose your senior relative vigorously dissented against having nursing care services in their house. In that case, it’s best to introduce the concept slowly, so they warm up to the idea. You can start by having the nurse come and help for just a few hours a week and take care of more general tasks. Once your senior relative gets used to their presence, you can add more hours and tasks, and your relative will grow more comfortable with the idea of hospice care. Not many people are fans of change, so gradually implementing it is the best way to make it happen.
- Empathize With Their Fears. Some seniors balk at the idea of home care because it validates the fears they have about themselves. If you insist it’s the best option without hearing them out, they’ll be more resistant, making it more difficult for the arrangement to succeed. Instead, allow them to express their thoughts and feelings about it, and make sure you hear them and address their concerns. You can even involve them in the selection process to ensure they choose someone they feel comfortable trusting. It may also help to introduce the services as something you’re doing to help you instead of them, as they’ll feel like they’re still capable of completing many tasks—even if they actually aren’t.
- Ask for a Doctor’s Help. Despite your best efforts, some seniors may resist the idea of home care stubbornly. However, it may help to get the help of an authority figure, like a doctor, to convince your senior relative to accept home care. If they believe that a doctor has prescribed the arrangement as the best course of action to take, they may be more inclined to cooperate.
- Frame It as a Temporary Service. Although some people may perceive this approach as deceptive, it may be the one that finally works. If you tell the older adult that the home care arrangement will only be temporary, they may feel more comfortable about it. However, once the caregiver becomes an essential part of their routine, they’ll likely adjust to the idea and entertain the concept as a permanent arrangement.
Conclusion
Sometimes, the best way to get your senior relative to accept home hospice in Atlanta is by framing it in different perspectives. Regardless, it’s essential to discuss any fears they have and how home care services can help. That way, you have an open communication line and mutual support for the idea, allowing the home care arrangement to succeed.
Golden Rule Hospice Offers the Best Hospice Care in Atlanta
As we believe that psychological, spiritual, and social services—in tandem with nursing care—will contribute to a significantly improved quality of life for patients and their families. With our golden rule of “treat others the way you would like to be treated,” we guarantee the most dedicated care for your loved ones. Contact us today at (470) 395-6567 to find out what else we can do for you!
We live by the Golden Rule
Treat others the way you would like to be treated.
