Taking care of an aging loved one is challenging. This is especially true if they’re reluctant to accept your help. Here are a few suggestions for talking to your friend or family member about senior care services and how a caregiver can support their independence. 

What if Your Loved One Doesn’t Want Senior Care Services? 

1. Empathize With Their Situation 

If your loved one refuses care, their response is probably highly emotional. Often, people are afraid or embarrassed to admit they aren't as strong or capable as they used to be.

They can feel frustrated by disruptions to the routines they’ve spent decades developing and might be concerned their condition will get worse. Try to see your loved one’s circumstances from their perspective and reassure them their independence and dignity will be respected no matter what. 

2. Ask Your Loved One for Their Input

Allow your loved one as much agency as possible by making decisions together. You might not be able to accommodate all their wishes, but you should try to make them as comfortable as possible.  

Here are some suggested questions to help you initiate a conversation about senior care:  

• What activities do you have trouble doing by yourself? Which of these activities are most important to you?  

• What can I take off your plate to make your life easier and more enjoyable?  

• Are there times when you feel unsafe doing something without assistance?  

• What’s your daily routine? Has it changed recently because of your condition? 

• Do you understand your doctor’s instructions on how to take your medications? Do you follow their directions? Do you ever have trouble managing your dosing schedule? 

Listen to your loved one’s responses and try to point to specific ways a senior care service could help them address these issues.  

3. Allay Any Concerns About Financing 

If your loved one is reluctant to enroll in senior care services, it might be because they’re worried about paying for it. Check to see if their care is covered under Medicaid or Medicare, and talk with them about their options and how the family plans to cover the expense.

You might be able to find additional coverage through long-term care insurance, VA benefits, and other insurance policies. Once you have a plan in place, your friend or family member will feel more comfortable about the decision.   

Sometimes it takes more than one conversation to convince a loved one that it’s time to accept help. Visiting Angels Toms River in Ocean County, NJ, offers senior care plans that you can customize to your family’s specific needs and budget. To learn more about their compassionate and comprehensive services, including respite care, part-time care, grooming assistance, light housekeeping, and 24-hour live-in caregiving, visit their website. To speak with a dedicated representative from the agency, call (732) 240-1050 today.