Watching your parents age is difficult, but talking to them about the possibility of receiving home health care isn’t easy, either. While it can be stressful, it’s important that you do have that conversation with them, for the sake of their health and your peace of mind. Here are 5 pieces of advice to help you get ready to open that line of conversation with them.

How to Speak to Your Parents About Needing Home Health Care

1. Don’t Leave Them Without a Choice

One of the most important things is to not go into the conversation acting as though you’ve already made the decision for them. When people feel like they’re backed into corners, they’re more likely to be defensive and resist your suggestions, not to mention that it sets a bad tone for the conversation. Be sure they know that this is a joint discussion, go over all possible options with them, and offer them support.

2. Be Prepared

You shouldn’t start the conversation without having relevant information ready. Gather key information from local home health care agencies and be ready to present it. Having a list of the benefits of receiving elderly care at home, such as maintaining independence and staying in a familiar setting, will help, too. You can also get price estimates from different home health aide offices, and be willing to go over your parents’ finances if they require or ask you to.

3. Involve Other Family Members

Seeing that their other relatives are as concerned as you are might make them take the conversation more seriously, and the more support you have, the harder it will be for them to argue against it. It’s generally best to involve only close relatives, and make sure everyone knows how to be sensitive during the conversation.

4. Ask Their Physician for Input

Speak to your parents’ physician and ask if they can help. Having your parents’ primary physician weigh in will show your parents that your worries and claims aren’t unfounded. It will also indicate to them the seriousness of the risks they’re taking if they don’t receive any assistance. Their physician should also outline for them the precise ways home care will help their situation daily.

5. Keep the Conversation Going

Conversations like this can lead to turbulent emotions, so it’s important to know when to take a step back and let everyone calm down. No matter what, though, you should keep the channel of conversation open. Continue showing your support for your parents and their decisions, but also keep gently reminding them how much at-home care could help their daily lives. Let them know that it’s okay to change their minds if they’re initially resistant to the idea, and be ready for if they do.

If you need compassionate, highly capable home health care, trust the loving team at Visiting Angels of Northeastern Connecticut in Tolland, CT. For more than 20 years, they’ve cared for patients in their own homes, using individualized approaches and continuously monitoring patients’ progress to adjust care as needed. From simple chores and conversation to assistance with bathing and feeding, they offer different levels of elderly care that are tailored to each patient’s personal needs, including dementia and Alzheimer’s patients. They’re fully licensed, bonded, and insured, and all of their home health aide team members are chosen for their compassion and kindness after thorough background investigations. Learn more about the elderly care they offer online, or call (860) 872-6084 to schedule services.