As people are getting old, their capacity to understand the seriousness of their decisions declines. Elderly people often deny the fact that they have aged to the point where they need other people’s assistance. Consequently, it is not uncommon to find some of them insisting that they can still be on their own, they do not need doctor’s supervision, or that they are able to perform their daily routines safely.
If the story above sounds familiar, you probably think that it will be better to leave everything to professional caregivers. But taking yours to such a service might need some strategies first. Learn more below!
It Will Take Time
Taking your senior family members to an elderly care institution takes time, especially if they have been living with you for quite some time. Usually, it is your schedule that makes you unable to take care of them appropriately. And yet in that situation, they will often misunderstand you as not wanting to have them around anymore. One way you can deal with that is by presenting them your calculation of time and risks. For example, if you work 12 hours a day, you need to make them understand that they are vulnerable to accidents during that time. You want to put them under professional caregiver not because you want to get rid of them, but because you love them.
Start with a Professional Consultation
Ageing is a scary stage in life, especially if you have to get through it alone. A senior that has lost his/her spouse is more likely to be depressed than others who still live with their loved ones. In that case, spare your money for a family consultation with a psychologist. Also, if your elderly is suffering from a concerning health condition, consult your psychologist first about the right ways to discuss the matter.
Set a Visit Schedule Before You Bring Them to the Elderly Care
The most common reason why an elderly refuses to go to an elderly care institution is that they feel isolated from the core family. Therefore, promise them that you will still get them involved in major family events. For instance, celebrate their birthdays, get them home during Christmas, and occasionally visit them for a chat. Even though there will be other seniors in the eldercare, nothing can replace family interaction. Also, bear in mind that your goal is not to eliminate your senior family members from your family, but to make them safer.