VISITING ANGELS FARMINGTON/CAPE GIRARDEAU, MO 573-664-1722
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How to help your aging loved one to accept help

How to help your aging loved one to accept help

Deciding to ask for help is not always an easy one. If you are requesting help for your aging loved ones, they might not react with the gratitude that you expect. Sometimes, this reaction is hard to deal with when you firmly believe you are doing what’s best for your loved one. 

Aging loved ones may react this way initially, but it doesn’t mean that they aren’t willing to hear you out. Don’t give up at the first sign of conflict. There are plenty of ways to help your aging loved ones see that this is the best choice for their health and wellbeing. 

Common worries among seniors

The idea of a stranger coming into your loved one’s home may make them question their safety and security around the newcomer. Many folks can see this as an invasion of privacy and will initially feel uncomfortable with the idea, especially if they have lived alone or independently for a long time. 

Another common struggle is feeling a loss of dignity from the inability to help oneself. Your loved one may be stubborn and insist that they do not need help because their pride is hurting. This is an understandable feeling, but hopefully, it is something you can work through for the betterment of their safety and your peace of mind.

If your loved one is experiencing symptoms of dementia, these feelings can be exacerbated. Moods and behaviors can fluctuate in varying degrees from day to day. It may be hard to get them to agree to accept help and even harder to get them to stick with the decision, but it will be worth it to keep trying.

Turn your attention to the good

If you’re met with resistance from your loved one, try to focus on the improvements an in-home caregiver will make in their quality of life. It can be helpful to emphasize that the caregiver will be available to help with household tasks. Pick out a few of the most challenging tasks for your loved one: walking down the stairs to the washer or dryer, getting in and out of the bath or shower, and so on. These things can be hard on the body as we age, especially for those with arthritis and other painful ailments, so taking some tasks off your loved one’s plate may help them feel better physically throughout the day. Remind your loved ones that the caregiver will formulate a plan to best suit their needs, and they will be free to express where their boundaries are in home care.

Avoid arguments

An escalating argument is more likely to drive each person farther away from a common middle ground than to solve a problem. Seniors can get defensive about your questioning their abilities, and arguing with them may only make them more stubborn. If your loved one is dealing with a chronic disease or ailment, they may be even more irritable and less open to your offer. 

Avoid these arguments. If you have reached a point where the conversation is no longer calm or civil, take a step back and reevaluate your persuasion topics. It may be a long battle to get them to accept help, but arguing will only prolong the conversation.

Emphasize your needs

You are likely looking for an in-home caregiver to assist your loved one because you cannot be there for them around the clock, and you’re concerned about their safety. It is important to remember that a caregiver will be assisting you just as much as your loved one. Be sure to communicate that this does not mean you will not be there to help – it is likely your loved one will feel they are being abandoned otherwise. An in-home caregiver will be there to assist you with the help you are already offering, but they will be readily available at any time of day. Help your loved one to see the mutual benefit you will both gain from this experience.

While it is challenging to start, many aging adults have found Visiting Angels caregivers to be trusted companions and aides. After experiencing the help that caregivers can provide, both seniors and family caregivers have expressed their gratitude for the care and companionship. Visiting Angels Farmington serves Iron, St. Francois, Ste. Genevieve, Perry, Cape Girardeau Counties and the surrounding areas with specially trained, compassionate caregivers with high standards of care. Book your in-home consultation at no cost to speak with a caregiver and formulate the best care plan for your loved one going forward at (573) 664-1722.

Serving Iron, St. Francois, Ste. Genevieve, Perry, and Cape Girardeau Counties and Surrounding Areas

Visiting Angels FARMINGTON/CAPE GIRARDEAU, MO
1276 W Liberty St
Farmington, MO 63640
Phone: 573-664-1722

Serving Iron, St. Francois, Ste. Genevieve, Perry, and Cape Girardeau Counties and Surrounding Areas

Visiting Angels FARMINGTON/CAPE GIRARDEAU, MO
1276 W Liberty St
Farmington, MO 63640
Phone: 573-664-1722