A new year, a new level of care
30 January 2025
Read moreThe holiday season is a wonderful time to catch up with family members, especially those we don’t see often throughout the year.
However, these reunions can sometimes reveal changes in our elderly relatives, particularly parents and grandparents, that we hadn’t noticed before.
We understand how this can lead to concerns about their well-being.
It’s important to approach conversations about their health and potential need for home care with compassion and sensitivity.
Here are some thoughtful ways to help you start these important conversations in a gentle, respectful manner.
Timing is everything when it comes to sensitive subjects.
Look for a quiet, private moment when you can talk without interruptions. It might be a walk after lunch or a quiet time away from the holiday hustle and bustle.
Make sure both you and your loved one feel calm and relaxed.
Instead of jumping straight into a conversation about home care, we recommend beginning with open-ended questions to gauge how your loved one is feeling about their daily routines and health.
Questions like, “How have you been managing around the house?” or “What does a typical day feel like for you these days?” can lead to deepen conversations and openings to discuss their needs.
From our experience, we’ve found that listening actively is crucial.
This shows that you respect their feelings, independence and opinions.
Let them share as much as they want to and pay attention to any concerns or struggles they might express. Sometimes, all they need is someone to listen.
Once you have a better understanding of how your loved one feels and their daily challenges, you can gently introduce the idea of home care and having a carer coming in to support them.
We recommend focusing on the benefits. For example, you might say, “Dad, having someone to assist with household chores and maintenance, or even helping you get ready in the morning, could really ease your daily routine. This would free up more of your energy to enjoy your hobbies and spend time with the family.”
If you know someone who has benefited from home care, share that story with them. It often helps to her positive stories from friends or family.
You can also check out our case studies, which highlight real-life examples of how home care has significantly improved our clients’ independence and daily lives.
Emphasise how these services have allowed individuals to maintain their lifestyle in a more manageable and enjoyable way.
It’s important to let your loved one know that their opinions and choices matter.
Discussing home care doesn’t mean they are losing independence, instead, it’s about improving their quality of life.
Make sure they understand that they have the final say in any decisions and that you are there to support them and not to take over.
Propose that you both look at possible home care services together.
At Nexus Care, we strongly encourage family involvement and offer a free consultation where you and your loved one can ask questions and express any concerns.
This can make the transition much smoother and less daunting for everyone involved.
After your conversation, give them some time to think about everything.
These decisions aren’t easy and might require several discussions.
Show patience and offer your continuous support, letting them know you are there whenever they are ready to talk more or take the next steps.
The holiday season can be a perfect time to assess and gently address the health care needs of your family.
We are here to help guide you through these conversations with compassion and understanding.
If you or your loved one would like some extra support this winter, contact our friendly team on 0121 308 2906.