Sunday, 30 June 2019

How to Deal with a Loved One’s Fear of an In Home Caregiver

Hiring an in home caregiver to assist in taking care of a beloved relative or friend can bring about mixed feelings of relief and guilt. Unfortunately, it may be a big adjustment for the elderly client themselves.

Some clients may refuse to accept that they need help when it comes to completing daily tasks, while others may mourn the loss of their independence or resent anyone else taking care of them other than you. Furthermore, there are a few who may have a fear of an in home caregiver and plenty of misgivings regarding the situation in general.

Here are some tips for dealing with these aforementioned circumstances and helping your loved one feel more comfortable with their senior home caregivers going forward.

Re-assurance is Key

The truth for many seniors is that the introduction of a private live in companion equals a loss of their privacy, autonomy and independence. In their minds, accepting help from the caregiver is the same as accepting that their lives will never be the same again.

As most of us can well imagine, this is an intense and emotional internal battle that can take months, and even years, for a person to come to terms with. Because of this, it is so important for friends and relatives to step in and re-assure as often and as honestly as they can.

Remind your loved one that having a private live in companion allows them to live safely in their own home for a much longer period of time, and that they are still very much adored by their family and friends.

Some elderly clients may begin to feel like they have become a ‘burden’ and that in hiring a caregiver, their relatives no longer wish to care for them. Gently explain the reasons behind your need for help and hiring a home care assistance agency. Explain how the home carer frees up your schedule to spend more quality time with them whenever daily life allows.

Address the Fear of Strangers

For many seniors, a lack of acceptance of a caregiver stems from a deep-seated fear of strangers, as well as many unresolved trust issues.

Along with talking about these fears, also be sure to demonstrate to your loved one that you and the rest of the family are taking a leading role in the screening and hiring process. It may be worthwhile to get your loved one involved in the process too (if the client is mentally capable, of course).

If your loved one is suffering from dementia or Alzheimer’s, you can still alleviate the situation by introducing them to a number of potential caregivers and taking note of which ones they get on with best.

Most importantly, be sure to communicate regularly with the home care provider whom you choose to hire about any challenges or obstacles that they are experiencing. Make an effort to work closely together to ensure that your loved one is well taken care of both physically and emotionally!

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