Making the shift to having not only family caregivers available but also senior home care services on hand can feel really big to aging adults. Family caregivers may feel ready for this change right away, but seniors can take longer to come around to the idea. Having professional caregivers around doesn’t make seniors less independent, but can actually offer some massive benefits. Here’s how to help them adjust.
Keep Communication Lines Open
There isn’t one way to talk about home care services, but it’s important to remember to keep the communication lines open about the topic. Sharing what’s involved with home care and how it can help is an important introduction. As seniors are experiencing this type of help for themselves, they may still want to talk about how it supports them rather than taking anything away.
Start with Flexible Plans
When seniors stay involved in the planning process, they’re more likely to feel supported by professional caregivers. Keeping the plans flexible at first ensures that if seniors want to make adjustments it’s still possible. Reducing anxiety makes it easier to embrace help. Flexibility also means that aging adults get their needs met in real time, exactly when they need that help the most.
Respect Existing Routines
Even if seniors need a lot more help, they do have existing routines in place. Experienced senior home care providers understand that and do what they can to respect those existing routines and preferences. This also helps seniors adjust because they know that no one is going to come in and upset all of their processes right out of the gate.
Let Seniors and Professional Caregivers Build Trust
It might be tempting to try to shorten the adjustment process. But it takes time to build trust and rapport with each other. Consistency helps a lot, and it’s also important for family caregivers to remember that seniors may feel incredibly vulnerable during this process. Nothing has to be rushed, so it’s best to let the relationship grow.
Focus on the Positives
After things have been progressing for a little while, take the time to talk with seniors about how professional caregivers are helping them. Seniors might realize that they’ve had more time to rest or they’re getting more out of the meals they’re eating. Focusing on the positives helps seniors realize how much home care can keep doing for them.
Check in About What Isn’t Working
As important as it is to keep the experience positive, it’s also important to talk about what isn’t working. That gives family caregivers the information they need to make changes that solve difficulties that seniors are experiencing. Resolving any issues means that seniors are more likely to streamline the adjustment process.
Working with professional caregivers on a regular basis is about helping seniors to experience a better overall quality of life, not have a negative experience. Taking the time to look for ways to improve the experience helps seniors look forward to the ways that they can make the most of senior home care.
If you or an aging loved one are considering senior home care in Woodbury, MN and the surrounding areas, please contact the friendly staff at CareBuilders at Home Minnesota. Call today 612-260-2273.
