The need for in-home care is a serious conversation that can be accompanied by varying emotions. Having to rely on someone to do even the simplest of tasks can be overwhelming and bring on emotions associated with sadness and even anger.
In-home care isn’t just provided to the elderly; instead, it can be provided to anyone who has experienced some decline in functional mobility or activities of daily living. Home care is also provided as a way of transitioning a patient from acute care which is usually provided in a hospital or rehabilitative facility. In-home care allows the client to have care provided in the home that can reduce the length of stay in an acute care setting while allowing the client to receive those services in the comforts of their home with family present.
When having that conversation with your loved one, these are a few of the things to take into consideration:
- Involve the client/patient in the decision-making process. After all, the client is going to be the one receiving services and they need to be onboard.
- Talk about the specific needs that are not being met currently. This allows the client to see what specific needs they have and allows them to be a part of the solution.
- Talk about available care options. Let the client know about care options and the pros and cons of each care setting.
- Educate the client on what home care is and what it is not. Home care exists to help patients and their families with activities of daily living such as bathing, dressing, meal preparation, laundry, medication reminders, transfers, etc. Home care will not take away the patient’s decision-making capabilities or independence.
- Educate them about the possible outcomes. Discuss the benefits of home care and give them a clear picture of how home care will change their life.
- Timing is everything. Timing is important, and families need to select an appropriate time to have this conversation. Be sure to ask the right questions, and be sure to have the answers to possible questions they may ask.