GENTLE CONVERSATIONS
INTRODUCING THE HOME CARE TOPIC TO YOUR LOVED ONE
Our parents are part of the Traditionalist Generation. Their attitudes behavior were shaped by the following factors:
- Patriotism
- Waste not, want not
- Save for rainy day
- Faith in community and institutions
They made sacrifices for our country, for their families, and never asked for help. So now, it goes against everything they know to ask for help now. While the conversation must be a little different for each senior, one suggestion is to tell them that care is not for them, it’s for you as their (adult) child. You would love to be there to help daily, but are unable to do so because of your work/family/community commitments. So for your peace of mind, please allow caregivers to be there with them.
They can see this as a sacrifice they are making for you, rather than as care for themselves. By framing the conversation this way, you are giving them the power and they are in charge.
By allowing help to assist would actually make them more independent and less dependent on family members. The services we bring into the home are tools. So this little bit of care is a tool to continue to be independent, continue wit the life the senior wants, which is to live in their home and go about their day.