Orlando Home Care | Having the Conversation with a Loved One

No one wants to have a difficult conversation, like one that addresses a senior loved one’s in-home care needs. However, if you’ve noticed changes in a family member or friend during a visit, this may be the perfect time to discuss whether or not extra care is required in the home. With family and friends around for support, try opening up the conversation with these tips:

• Share your concerns. Talk to your loved ones openly and honestly. Knowing that you’re concerned about their health may give them the motivation they need to see a doctor or make other changes.
• Create a sense of planning. Approach a loved one with a sense of planning to find a solution rather than trying to enforce your predetermined decisions. Discuss what you have observed using concrete examples and ask your loved one what he or she thinks is going on. Then ask what he or she thinks would be a good solution.
• Address safety issues. Point out any potential safety issues around the home — then make a plan to address the problems.
• Encourage a regular medical checkup. Offer to schedule the visit yourself or to accompany the senior to the doctor — or to find someone else to attend the visit.
• Contact the doctor for guidance. If a loved one dismisses your concerns, you can try calling the doctor directly. You will need to sign a form verifying that you have your loved one’s permission to discuss his or her medical information with the doctor and his or her staff. Your insights may help the doctor understand what to look for during upcoming visits.

Infuse all conversations with a sense of caring, reminding the senior that you want him or her to be safe, happy, and healthy and that you want to work with him or her to figure out the right plan. Be patient and don’t expect to come to a conclusion about care right away. Partners in HealthCare of Orlando is here to help you and your loved ones determine a plan of long-term care that best meets your needs. Give us a call today at 888-668-9393 to find out more about how home care services can help seniors lead happier and healthier lives.