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How To Approach The Topic of Elderly Care Solutions
If you notice that one of your loved ones, perhaps a parent, grandparent, neighbour or partner, is struggling a bit more than normal at home, it’s probably time to initiate a discussion. It’s important to talk about what additional support is available for them so they can live an independent life in their own home. This additional support could come in many forms, such as personal care systems, falls detector systems, mobility aids, red button devices, live-in care, and care homes, to name a few.
You might have noticed reduced mobility or forgetting to take their medication, or perhaps your loved one has a long-standing condition, and you have seen some deterioration. No matter what the situation is, it is always difficult to approach the topic of getting some support.
“Acknowledging your parents’ fears and emphasizing that help can keep them independent are good steps to overcome resistance to needed help.”
Source: The Aging Life Care Association (ALCA)
Here are some things to think about when you are planning to have that conversation:
Timing is everything
Think about when is the most appropriate time to bring up the topic of personal care and assistance and who needs to be involved in it. The fewer the people, the better so that your loved one doesn’t feel ‘ganged up on’.
It’s important not to jump straight to the point. They might not have noticed the things that you have, and it may take them some time to realise and accept it for themselves.
Discuss the options together
When talking about the options for personal care and assistance, it’s important to include them in the conversation. Do not make it seem like you have already made the decision for them. Nobody wants to feel forced into something they don’t want to do. Having a positive, two-way conversation and listening to their thoughts, fears, and concerns will help you both to come to the conclusion of the right decision for everyone.
Focus on the positives and how having additional support can help them to carry on living an independent life.
For example, a Falls Detector device will allow them to carry on living in their own home and doing their normal daily activities with a backup on hand if needed. This will give you and them peace of mind.
One of many conversations
Don’t expect the solution to come from one conversation. They might not have a positive reaction to start with, and that is ok. Don’t push the conversation if they are resistant. This is a starting point for a series of conversations that will come. Once the topic has been brought up, give them time to absorb it and discuss it again when they have had time to absorb it and think about it in their own time at their own pace.
Involve them in the decision making
It’s crucial that your loved one is making the decision as well as you. Listen to their suggestions, opinions and ideas throughout all the conversations. There are many options available for elderly care, so explore all options and be patient and kind towards your loved one and come to a conclusion together.
Red Button Telecare offer a range of personal care products such as Falls Detector Packages and Red Button Devices. Our Technology Enabled Care Solutions (TECS) gives immediate access to our friendly and highly-trained staff, who are there to help if you are unwell, feel unsafe or have had an accident or incident, 24 hours a day.
You can view our range of telecare packages here.
Red Button
Operated by Red Alert Telecare Ltd,
3 The Courtyard, Orbital Park, Ashford,
Kent, TN24 0SY
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Red Alert Telecare Ltd, the operators of this service have the following accreditations
