If your senior parent is living alone and you’re noticing signs that they may be struggling with hygiene tasks, it’s time to talk with your mom or dad about personal care at home.
This can be an awkward conversation. Many parents don’t want to talk about any difficulties that they’re having showering, washing up, brushing their teeth, or taking care of other hygiene tasks. So, when you need to talk about it, try to be sensitive. Your mom or dad may be embarrassed and feel about their inability to do these tasks.
But if you notice that your mom or dad is looking unkempt, wearing the same clothes all the time, or now showering, you need to talk to them about their hygiene and how personal care can help.
Use these tips to make a conversation with your mom or dad about personal care less awkward and more productive:
Choose the Right Time and Place
Timing and setting matter when having sensitive conversations. Pick a time when your parent is relaxed and not distracted or stressed. A calm, private setting, such as their living room or kitchen table, can help make the conversation feel more personal and less confrontational. Don’t try to talk about serious topics when they’re frustrated or tired.
Focus on Their Comfort and Safety
Center the discussion around their well-being rather than what they can’t do. For example, explain how personal care providers can make their lives more comfortable and safer. You might say, “I’ve noticed it seems harder for you to get in and out of the shower. Having someone here could make it easier and help you avoid a fall.”
Putting the focus of the conversation on your mom or dad’s safety and quality of life can help them see personal care as a benefit rather than a loss of independence.
Be Empathetic and Respect Their Feelings
It’s normal for seniors to feel vulnerable or resistant when discussing personal care services. They may feel embarrassed, defensive, or even fearful. Listen to their concerns without interrupting, and acknowledge their feelings.
For example, you could say, “I understand that it might feel strange to have someone helping you with these things. It’s okay to feel this way, and we can figure out what works best for you.”
Showing empathy can help build trust and make your mom or dad more willing to try getting personal care at home.
Involve Them in the Decision
Many seniors resist personal care because they feel like decisions are being made for them. Let them help choose the caregiver, decide on the schedule, or set boundaries about what tasks they are comfortable receiving help with.
When your mom or dad feels like they are in control and being listened to, they will feel more comfortable having someone come in to help them.
Start Small and Build Trust
If your mom or dad is hesitant about personal care services, suggest starting with a trial period or limiting the caregiver’s role at first. Once your parent becomes comfortable with the caregiver, they may be more willing to accept help with personal hygiene tasks.
Building trust and gradually increasing the level of care can make the transition smoother.
If you or an aging loved one are considering Personal Care in Hartford, CT, please contact the caring staff at Talem Home Care & Placement Services of Hartford, CT, today. Call (860) 969-3134
At Talem Home Care & Placement Services of Fort Hartford, CT, we provide passionate, understanding, and flexible caregivers in Hartford, Avon, Berlin, Bloomfield, Cromwell, East Hartford, Farmington, Glastonbury, Kensington, Manchester, Middletown, New Britain, Newington, Rocky Hill, Simsbury, South Windsor, Wethersfield, Windsor and surrounding areas in Connecticut.
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