Four Tips for Starting to Talk about Assistance for Your Senior

Elder Care Wilmette IL - Four Tips for Starting to Talk about Assistance for Your Senior

It might be obvious to you that it’s time for some extra help from elder care providers, but the same might not be true for your senior herself. What you’re going to need to do is talk about what is happening and the solutions you each see as viable. 

Approach the Idea Carefully 

When you decide to tackle this topic, do it carefully. This is especially true if you know that your elderly family member is likely to be sensitive to the idea. Let her know what you’re thinking and why you think that bringing in elder care providers will be good for her and for you. If you’ve got specific examples about how this can help, share them. For example, elder care providers may be able to handle meal preparation or keep the house neat as a pin. Use those specifics when you can. 

Try Not to Stray Too Far from the Message 

It’s often tempting to let the conversation slip to other topics, especially if things are getting a little more rambunctious than you might have expected. But if you’re going to come to a consensus on this topic, you have to stick with it. Gently redirect the conversation back to elder care services and what they can do for your senior. 

Hear Her Out 

Part of what that means, though, is really listening to your senior. What are her concerns? What is she afraid will happen? If she’s concerned about having strangers in her home, talk about that. Look into what you can do to help her to feel more comfortable with that issue. Is she worried that this means you’re trying to get her to move? Talk about that. The only way to get to the bottom of all of this is to talk through it. 

Work Together to Compromise  

Together you and your elderly family member can come to an agreement about what type of help is right for her and that meets her needs without upsetting her. You might not get everything that you want from compromising, but you might get more than you expect. For instance, your senior might agree to let elder care providers drive for her but she doesn’t want help other than that just yet.  

Overall, what you’re trying to do is to do the best that you can for your senior, especially in terms of ensuring that she’s as safe as possible. 

If you or an aging loved one are considering Elder Care Services in Wilmette IL, contact the caring staff at Gentle Home Services. Call today (800) 860-9823.​

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