For many seniors, agreeing to accept help from a family member or caregiver is like the first admission that they’re aging and losing independence. That being said, it should come as no surprise that many seniors are reluctant to accept help, and even fewer suggest hiring a senior caregiver or moving to a senior residence or nursing home themselves. As a senior care specialist in Pasadena, once families have recognized that seniors need help at home, they ask me how they can convince their parents that it’s time to accept it.

While there is no answer that I can provide that will work to convince all Pasadena seniors that it’s time to accept help, it’s important to help seniors to understand that it’s about keeping them safe and making their lives easier; while helping them maintain their independence while living at home. Many family caregivers find that seniors may be willing to accept help when the options are out on the table, which can include assisted living facilities or nursing homes to help keep them safe and alleviate the burden of taking care of a home. When faced with these choices, senior care at home with a professional caregiver always looks like the more desirable choice. Seniors should also be aware that nothing is forever; if you choose to work with a reputable caregiving agency, if seniors are displeased, they’re able to cancel the caregiving services at anytime or request that a new caregiver come into their home.

Once families get over the hurdle of getting seniors to accept help, they’ll find that their elderly loved ones stress levels are reduced, and more often than not, their caregiver becomes one of their most trusted friends!

Home Care Pasadena provides home care for the elderly, aging, and seniors in Pasadena, Altadena, San Gabriel, San Marino, Alhambra, Monterey Park, Eagle Rock, La Canada, South Pasadena, Los Angeles area. Call us today at 626-486-0800.

Q – I have noticed some signs that my elderly mother is struggling to live independently in her own home. While I have some ideas about home care, I do come from a large family in Pasadena and feel it’s important that I involve my siblings and immediate family in the decision making. What’s the best way to go about this?

A – Ask your immediate family to get together in Pasadena so that you can all discuss your concerns about your mother’s health and care. If not all siblings live close by, you can set-up a conference call so that everyone can be involved in discussing your mother’s care requirements. For the first meeting, don’t involve your mother, so you can talk openly about your concerns without upsetting her. Discussing eldercare requirements for a loved one, can be stressful, so keep the following tips in mind when planning your first family senior home care meeting.

1. Establish a goal for each meeting – the first meeting might be about discussing concerns, and making suggestions for how to proceed with home care

2. Invite only close relatives – invite your close siblings or other family members you feel must be involved, but try to keep numbers under 7 people

3. Allow each family member the chance to speak without interrupting

4. Share resources – each family member can bring information about your mother’s specific conditions or local resources that may be able to help

5. Have a moderator – invite a 3rd, impartial party like a counselor or Geriatric Care Manager to help keep the meeting on track if you feel there will be disputes about your mother’s care amongst family

Sources:

1. Elder Care Online

2. Suite101

Home Care Pasadena provides home care for the elderly, aging, and seniors in Pasadena, Altadena, San Gabriel, San Marino, Alhambra, Monterey Park, Eagle Rock, La Canada, South Pasadena, Los Angeles area. Call us today at 626-486-0800.