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Discussing in-home care with your loved ones

on Friday, July 6, 2018

It can be a big adjustment to get used to having someone support you to live in your own home. Most of us have a sense of pride when it comes to managing, even when things become difficult. Pride in having a clean and tidy home, driving independently to appointments, and preparing meals.

However, there may come a time when household tasks become too onerous and our loved ones need additional help in the home.

Most of us avoid having a conversation with our parents or loved ones until an event like a health crisis or other emergency forces the issue of seeking extra help in the home. It’s easy to put off talking about these issues. Few of us like to consider having to depend on someone else for help.

Here are some thoughts on introducing the benefits of in-home care to your loved ones:

  • It’s a good idea to have a conversation with your parents or loved ones in a relaxed, friendly and neutral location.
  • Spend time with your loved ones to determine what household tasks they are finding difficulty doing. They may need assistance with cleaning the house, putting out the washing and doing the ironing. Prioritise these chores and then let the Care Worker know about their wishes.
  • For all involved, it’s easiest to start the home care support slowly, so your loved one can get to know their Care Worker and be comfortable around them. Your chosen Care Worker should be compassionate and connect well with your loved one.
  • When discussing care for your loved one, bear in mind how well your loved one can hear, their language preferences and cultural background and see if these can be matched with an appropriate Care Worker.
  • It’s important to obtain in-home support for your loved one before their health needs become overwhelming for both them and you. People often leave it too late to obtain assistance, which may result in permanent residential care being seen as the only option.
  • A good Care Worker seeks to know how your loved one likes to hang out their clothing, how they fold the towels and how they like the bed made, for instance. Explain your loved one’s needs and preferences to the Care Worker or the Care Co-ordinator, so that you can get the support that they need.
  • A Home Care Package can support your loved one to receive care at home. A Home Care Package is a government subsidised co-ordinated package of care and services to help your loved one live independently in their own home for as long as they can. There are four levels of care and support, with each level receiving a different amount of funding. A Home Care Package can tailor care and services to best meet your needs.
  • Ascertain whether your loved one is still able to drive competently. As we all know, driving represents freedom, allowing us to go where we want and need to go. Losing this privilege can be one of the most upsetting aspects of ageing and needs to be handled delicately. A Care Worker can provide transportation for your loved one to medical appointments, the shops, and outings, among other things.

What are some of the warning signs that your elderly parents or loved ones may need help at home?

  • Unpaid bills piling up
  • Reluctance to leave the house
  • Losing interest in preparing or eating meals
  • Symptoms of depression
  • Missed appointments and social engagements
  • Losing track of medications

If you and your loved one are considering home care but are not sure where to start, Oxley Home Care can talk you through the process and assist you. Simply call Oxley Home Care on 1800 221 039 today.

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