Comfort Keepers of Costa Mesa, CA Presents Starting The Senior At Home Care Conversation

Comfort Keepers wants you to remember these important factors when considering the senior at home care conversation in Costa Mesa, CA and Surrounding Areas

When it comes to your loved one’s well being and senior at-home care, it always best to plan ahead. In order to do this you will have to have a conversation about health care options with your parent. Comfort Keepers understand that this discussion can be awkward and unpleasant for all parties involved, but it is important to have it. This conversation shouldn’t happen spontaneously. You must organize and plan every detail of it. Think about these factors before having this life-changing conversation.

Starting The Conversation

Timing

The sooner the better. It’s necessary to have the senior at home care conversation before your loved one’s health starts deteriorating. This way they will fully be included in the decision making. Your loved one can share their wishes, needs, and concerns, and together you can find the best home care solution. By doing this your parents will stay in control over their life which is extremely important for seniors.

Location

Think about where you will have the senior at home care conversation. A public and crowded place isn’t a good option. You should talk somewhere private, where your loved one feels safe. If that is not possible choose a family member’s home or a private venue.

The Leader

Before you sit down to have this conversation with your parents, have a meeting with family members. Discuss all the details of the senior at home care conversation and choose a leader. That person should have all the information about seniors care. It is recommendable that this person leads the conversation with your senior as they will be able to answer any of the questions your parents might have. Other family members should be present as support.

Support

Your loved one must know that they are loved and that this conversation is in their best interest. Make sure they understand that they are not alone in this process and that they can be included in the decision making as much as they want to.

Seniors Can Initiate the Conversation, Too

If you are a senior who is looking ahead and wanting to plan for the future, you do not have to wait for your children to bring up the subject. Often adult children don’t like thinking about their parents getting older and are reluctant to initiate the discussion.

Initiative

Take the initiative. If you begin having difficulty with activities of daily living, such as bathing, driving or managing finances, speak with your physician or other health care professional. Also, bring up the subject with family and ask for their suggestions and assistance.

Preferences

Share with family and friends. Do you want to continue living at home but have the help of an in-home caregiver who can assist with certain tasks around the house? Or, if you are having more difficulty preparing nutritious meals for yourself, would you prefer having meals delivered or having someone prepare meals for you in your home?

Services

Learn about available services to help you as you age. Physicians, social workers, elder care providers, geriatric care managers, and other healthcare professionals can guide you in this, and your local Area Agency on Aging or Council on Aging can provide a listing of home care services available in your area.