Tips for When Your Senior Loved One Refuses Help
Seniors often have a difficult time accepting help because they’re scared of losing their cherished independence. Additionally, they could be unaware that their needs are changing and it’s time to have others step in and assist them. To keep them safe and comfortable, it’s important that they have assistance before a medical event or other emergency happens.
5 Strategies for When An Elderly Parent Declines Assistance
If you’ve started noticing that your senior parent or family member is declining and could use a helping hand, the following strategies may encourage them to accept support.
Evaluate Their Situation
In order to get your parent the appropriate care, you need to know exactly how much help they require. Perhaps they could use someone to help clean their home or drive them to appointments. They may have a memory condition and need more involved support with everyday tasks. Whatever the case, spend time with them to get a sense of the full scope of their needs.
Understand Their Concerns
Try to see the situation through your parent’s eyes. After decades of being self-sufficient, they’re suddenly faced with the prospect of not being able to look after themselves and perform everyday activities like bathing and driving. That’s a genuinely scary thought, so it’s crucial that you have compassion and empathy for their situation.
Get Them Involved
Older adults often refuse help because they feel like major decisions are being made without their input. Get them involved in the process by asking questions about their daily challenges, desires, and concerns to show you have respect for their autonomy.
Be Patient
Change is difficult for everyone, particularly for seniors who are used to living on their own. Hold conversations when they’re in a good mood, free from stress, and open to chatting. Stay patient and persistent, and be sure to treat them like grown adults. Reassure them that ultimately, this is about maintaining their health and happiness. Over time, they’ll likely begin to realize the benefits of having support around the home.
Give Options
Your parent should feel that they have a choice when it comes to the support they receive. Provide them with various options for care, including assisted living, help from friends and family members, or home care services from a professional agency like Visiting Angels. Talk about the pros and cons of each scenario and show respect for their point of view.
Visiting Angels is Here to Help
It’s understandable to need outside support navigating these tricky conversations with your senior loved one. Visiting Angels Tacoma is here for you. If you’re considering hiring a professional care provider, we would love to talk to you both about how our services can help enhance your loved one’s quality of life, while also allowing them to remain independent.
You’re not alone in navigating this process. Call us today at 253-537-3700 or send us a message to learn more or set up a free, no-obligation consultation at your family member’s home in Tacoma.