Having a caretaker can benefit seniors living with their adult children. It helps ensure they receive the assistance they need while also allowing them to maintain their independence and autonomy. However, it can also be an awkward conversation to have with adult children. This guide will help seniors approach the topic respectfully and appropriately without offending, embarrassing, or stressing their adult children.
Find the Best Time to Bring up the Topic
Adult children may be busy with their own work and personal commitments. It is important to find a time when they are available and relaxed enough to have an honest conversation.
Be Honest With Your Adult Children
Caring for a senior loved one is always an honor for most adult children. However, the truth is that they can't always be everywhere and do everything. Even if they are willing and able to care for their parent, it may no longer be enough for the senior's needs. Explain your reasons for wanting a third-party caretaker honestly, emphasizing the benefits for both of you.
Explain the Benefits of Hiring a Caregiver
Enlisting the help of a third-party caretaker can be a great relief for both seniors and adult children. Unless the adult child understands the importance of hiring one, they may be reluctant to agree. Explain how a third-party caretaker can provide better and more consistent in-home care, giving the adult child some respite from caregiving duties.
Explain the Roles of a Caregiver
Explaining the different roles of a caretaker is important too. Caretakers of Lakeland, Winter Haven, Bartow, Auburndale, and Haines City can help with tasks like:
- Managing medication
- Providing companionship
- Conducting errands
- Helping with personal care
- Assisting with activities of daily living
- Helping with meal preparation
- Housekeeping
- Shopping
- Making calls
Explain that they need time to focus on their life and retirement. Caregiving is a full-time job and can be difficult if you're juggling with multiple responsibilities. A third-party caretaker can help them manage their time better and ensure the senior receives the best care possible.
Mention the Different Types of Caregiving Services
Seniors and their loved ones can choose from a variety of caregiving services. Whether it is full-time live-in care, part-time respite care, or in-home care, each of these services has its benefits and drawbacks, so make sure to explain the differences between them.
- In-home care: In-home care is provided by a trained caregiver who visits the senior's home regularly to provide assistance and companionship. This type of care can be tailored to the senior's individual needs and is great for those who need help with basic daily activities such as bathing, dressing, meal preparation, and shopping.
- Respite care: Respite care is designed to give family caregivers a break from their responsibilities, allowing them to take a break from their duties for a short period.
- Residential care: Residential care is when seniors move into an assisted living facility or nursing home, where they will receive around-the-clock assistance and care.
Listen to Their Concerns and Work Together to Find Solutions
Discussing the possibility of hiring a third-party caretaker may raise concerns from your adult children. Adult children may express concerns about the cost of hiring a third party or how the caretaker will interact with the senior. Listen to their concerns and work together to find solutions that are both cost-effective and meet the needs of the senior.
Caring for a senior is a difficult and time-consuming task. It can be even more challenging for adult children who are already juggling multiple responsibilities. Senior Helpers of Polk County have qualified in-home caregivers that can provide the necessary care and companionship for seniors. We serve seniors in Lakeland, Winter Haven, Bartow, Auburndale, and Haines City. Contact us to learn more.