If your mum or dad requires additional support to continue living safely at home or is already receiving care but their needs have escalated, initiating a conversation with them about accepting help can be difficult. They may be hesitant to admit that they need assistance or fear losing their independence.
Here are seven helpful tips for discussing the idea of accepting support at home with your parents.
Initiate the conversation proactively
It is crucial to begin discussing future care options with your parents before a crisis arises, such as a fall or a decline in their health. By starting the conversation early, while they are still independent, you can ensure that it is a more relaxed and open dialogue. This approach increases the chances of it being a natural and mutual exchange of thoughts and concerns, rather than a difficult and forced discussion.
Establish on alliance
Before engaging in discussions with your parents, it is important to ensure that all siblings are aligned in their approach. By presenting a united front, you can effectively communicate and address any concerns or decisions that need to be made. This collaborative effort will not only streamline the process but also demonstrate a sense of unity and support for your parents.
Engage in active listening
When communicating with your parents, it is vital to actively engage in conversation. Avoid simply talking at home, and instead, have a meaningful dialogue. Inquire about their needs and preferences. Are there tasks they could use assistance with, such as maintaining a clean and organised home, doing laundry, or running errands like grocery shopping?
Additionally, take the time to understand their fears and concerns. By listening attentively to their responses, you can tailor the conversation to address their specific worries and provide the support they need.
Begin with a small step
Many seniors may find the idea of relinquishing their independence to be daunting. To address their concerns, it is advisable to recommend starting with a small step, such as assistance with cleaning. Your parents may be more open to this suggestion compared to more personal care services. By taking gradual steps, the transition to receiving support can be smoother and more management for them.
Conduct thorough research
Before discussion in-home Have some idea of what home-based care services with your parents. Familiarize yourself with the available services and associated costs. Determine if your parents qualify for a government funded are available and the potential costs. Would your loved one be eligible for a government-funded Home Care Package, or if a private funding is necessary.
Considering seeking advice from individuals your parents know who already received home-based support, such as friends or neighbors. Use these real-life examples to illustrate the benefits of outside assistance during your conversation.
Be prepared to take on any questions or issues that may arise (when having the conversation). If they fall outside your knowledge base, make the effort to research them and go back for a further discussion with your loved one.
Prepare to be patient
Anticipate potential questions or concerns that may arise during the discussion. If you encounter unfamiliar topics, commit to researching them further and revisiting the conversation you’re your parents. Prepare yourself to address any issues that may come up with knowledge and understanding.
When is the best time to have the conversation?
There is no perfect time, but ideally, it is best to have this discussion sooner rather than later. It is important to address this topic before your parents actually needs assistance in order to remain in their own home.
If you find it challenging to initiate the conversation early on, there are certain signs that may indicate your parents require assistance. These signs include: Having difficulty with everyday tasks such as cooking and cleaning
- Struggling with daily tasks like cooking and cleaning
- An empty fridge or pantry, or one filled with expired foods
- Changes in physical or cognitive abilities
- Neglecting personal appearance, such as not wearing fresh clothes
- Social withdrawal
If you need additional assistance in discussing the acceptance of help at home with your parents, or if you would like to explore the process applying for Home Care Package, please feel free to contact our welcoming team at 03 9123 4560 for no-obligation expert advice.