When a Family Member Is in Denial About the Need for Home Care

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When a Family Member Is in Denial About the Need for Home Care

When you begin to notice the red flags that care at home is necessary for someone you love, it’s rather common for that individual to balk at the idea. After all, acknowledging the necessity for help isn’t easy, especially for a person who appreciates their independence and privacy. Yet what do you do when a family member is the one in denial about the need for home care? 

Why Would a Family Member Deny the Need for Care in the Home?

Denial is a coping mechanism employed to safeguard against feelings of helplessness or concern about an impending change. Your family member may feel much more comfortable sticking their head in the sand in order to maintain status quo. Or, they may not be as familiar with the day-to-day care of the senior as you are, so they are not seeing exactly the same concerns.

No matter the cause of the denial, there are several strategies to help you to see eye to eye and make certain the older adult you both love receives the necessary care and support.

  1. Educate. Instead of arguing from your own perspective, turn to trusted resources to validate your opinion. Research details on the progression of a certain health issue the senior is managing. Learn together about the challenges of growing older, the dangers of senior falls, when it could be time to hand over the car keys, etc., and use that education as the springboard for a discussion on the best way to ensure comfort and safety for the older adult.
  2. Listen. Communication is a two-way street, so make certain to listen at least as much as you’re presenting your personal thoughts and concerns. Recognize and validate the person’s feelings. Try to the best of your ability to help keep the conversation calm and on an even keel, avoiding anger, sarcasm, and comments you may later regret.
  3. Reinforce. Bring in a professional third party to strengthen the advantages of home care services in your particular situation. Make an appointment to consult with the individual's physician together. Oftentimes, hearing firsthand information from a healthcare expert is all that is needed to help a family member be convinced about the need for home care.

Also, be aware that it can be useful to start home care services slowly and work up to more services over time. For example, Amy’s Helping Hands can begin with preparing meals, light housekeeping, and running errands or providing transportation initially. As the senior and caregiver form a bond of trust and companionship and the benefits of home care become more apparent, it is then easy to add in more hours or extra care tasks, for example, assistance with bathing and personal care needs.

When you are ready to explore home care services for someone you love, we’re here to speak with you and your family about options and to answer any questions you may have. We can address any concerns a member of your family is feeling about starting home care services during a consultation, right in the comfort of home.

Contact Amy’s Helping Hands at 519-915-4370 any time to learn more or to get started.

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