Signs that your dad needs help aging in place vary. Some of the more common ones are poor diet, lack of grooming and personal care, and difficulty driving. If you see these signs, it’s concerning and time to take action.
Home Care Long Island NY – How Do You Handle Your Dad’s Objections to Home Care?
While you realize the importance of home care services, your dad may object. He feels a caregiver will infringe on his freedom and independence. He doesn’t want a stranger in his home. He likes having his privacy and depending only on himself.
How do you handle all of this and make sure he gets the care he needs?
#1 – Convincing Him That He Retains His Independence
Loss of independence is a worry older adults have about home care services. They think that the caregiver is there to take over. That’s not the case. Have him sit down and talk to other seniors receiving home care services.
As he hears about other people’s experiences, he’ll realize that the caregiver is a companion and partner to his independence. The caregiver is not there to make him sit down all day and only do things as he’s told.
#2 – Ending Worries About a Lack of Privacy
Depending on your dad’s needs, privacy will never be an issue. When he does need help with things like getting dressed or showering, caregivers are trained to keep their client as comfortable as possible.
In a shower, privacy is maintained by keeping the body covered in towels and only removing a towel when it’s necessary. Most caregivers use shower wands and sponges or puffs to wash the skin and help maintain a level of modesty.
#3 – Overcoming the “A Caregiver is a Stranger” Attitude
Your dad is convinced that having a caregiver is no different to having a stranger in his house. He is adamant that he will not allow a strange person into his home. He’s worried about theft and abuse.
Make sure your dad is involved in discussions with a home care agency. If he learns how they vet, hire, and train the caregivers who work for them, he may feel more at ease. You should also ask if he’s allowed to meet and ask questions of the caregivers they select.
If he feels that he’s part of the interview process, he’ll find it easier to trust in the person coming into his home. Call our home care agency for additional tips on arranging home care services for our dad.
