7 Tips For Introducing Home Health Services To Your Parents: Have you started noticing little things around your parents' home that indicate they might be in need of help? If you've ever approached them on the subject, you know how difficult it can be. While nobody likes the fact that it may be time to bring in a little help, it's even harder to know where to turn for help. The choices vary greatly, from in home health services, to assisted living and beyond.
Instead of waiting until it becomes urgent, start the conversation early. Let your parents know you are on their side, and are looking for ways to help them stay in their home for years to come. Here are 7 ways you can start easing a conversation about home health services.
1. Start with a few simple things. Instead of overwhelming them, start the process early and begin releasing one or two chores. Introduce a few simple services while your parents are still in relatively good health, and can help you make the decision.
2. Communicate clearly and with a purpose. Have your ideas planned out, and have responses to any questions or arguments you anticipate from your parents. Remember to stay as calm as possible, and allow some room for your parents to make choices. Their independence may feel threatened, so allow them some room to make their own choices.
3. Help your parents establish good documentation and record keeping skills. While your parents are in good health, it's easier to accumulate everything into one central location. Have them pull together doctors records, insurance information, estate information, wills, living wills, investment and financial information. It may be difficult for them to share this information with you, but explain the necessity of having it together in one location.
4. Become a resource. If your parents are missing key pieces of information, or are unaware of some of the options available to them, become a resource. Supply them with community resources, forms for Medicare and Medicaid, long-term care insurance options, and financial planning resources.
5. Provide several options. Nobody likes to be told how to do something, especially your parents. They have always been there to provide for you; turning the tables can be a difficult moment. Instead, give them choices. They will feel more responsible and more accepting to the situation if they have had some choice in the matter.
6. Consistently evaluate the situation. Remember, your parents may not tell you everything that is happening. In their eyes, everything is okay. You may need to rely on the input of an in home caregiver, especially if you and other family members work full time. Communicate with your care manager regularly, and discuss your options. Also listen to your parents, and find out how they feel. Will simple adjustments make them happier? Sometimes small changes can make all the difference in the world.
7. Remember you aren't alone. This isn't a time to do everything by yourself. Ask for help. If you have family members near by, involve them in the decision making process. If that's not an option, find local resources in your community to help. Many people face these same situations every day. Find support centers that can steer you in the right direction, and provide you with good reliable resources to help you through these changing times.
