5 ways to ease your parents into accepting assistance

We hear it time and time again, “My parents need help, but they are fighting me on getting someone”. It is only natural for people to fight for their independence. Home care is a great alternative to a care home, helping seniors live independently at home for longer. However, many people are still reluctant to accept paid, professional help as they age.

If this is something you are facing we have 5 tips to help you ease your parents into accepting assistance:

1. Talk with them about it:
   Involve them in the decision-making process and let them make the final decision on the company and care giver that they work with. Most of the issues that come up when trying to convince your parents to accept additional care is that the decision is being made for them, rather than involving them in the decision. Doing so will help them feel in control and remain independent for longer.
2. List the benefits:
   Your parents may respond well to a “pros and cons” list of using a care aide. Generally you will see that the pros will outweigh the cons. Things like help running errands, someone to spend time with, assistance with errands, reminders for medication, help with meals, will outweigh the cons such as the cost or having to rely on someone else.
3. Tell them it’s more for you than them:
   Most seniors will resist because they think that they can handle things themselves and remain independent, without realizing the stress that it can put on their loved ones. Framing it as something to help you rather than something to help them generally moves most parents, who still feel like they are responsible for your well-being and are used to putting your needs above their own, towards accepting the help they need for themselves, even if they see it as helping you more.
4. Involve their doctor:
   Most seniors will respect the opinion of the doctor, coming from a place of authority and expertise. Book an appointment with their family physician, or accompany them to their next appointment and bring it up as an option and ask their doctor’s opinion. If possible, call ahead and mention that you’d like to discuss this at the appointment so the doctor is prepared and not caught off guard. Many doctors will be more than happy to help your parents make the transition and will likely be involved with any care plan that is developed.
5. Start slowly:
   Start with just one visit a week to get them comfortable with the idea. Book some simple housekeeping or appointment escorts that let them get used to having a care giver helping them in the house and with errands. Starting this before their situation requires more care will make the transition easier in the long run if and when they need additional care.

If you have any questions or would like help transitioning your parents, please don’t hesitate to call our 24/7 care center team at 1-866-982-2737 and speak about a plan for your parents.