Staff support in winter: Is the care sector doing enough?
19 November 2024
Read more
From our experience, we know that the idea of extra help for a loved one at home can feel like a big step.
For many families, the decision to bring in a carer is about adding quality to a loved one’s daily routine, providing companionship, and ensuring that they can continue enjoying life to the fullest.
Here are some ways we can help make this transition easy and comfortable for everyone involved.
Having a heart-to-heart can go a long way when approaching this situation.
It is often all about picking the right time. Choose a time when you and your loved one are both feeling relaxed and not rushed.
Share your concerns gently, without making them feel judged or helpless.
Speak gently to them about how a bit of assistance could make day-to-day tasks easier, allowing them to focus on the things that they enjoy.
Share these benefits in a positive light, emphasising that it is all about improving their life, rather than limiting their independence.
Try to understand their fears and hesitations about accepting help, as it can help you both find common ground.
Involve them in the decision
Inclusion is key. It is their life after all, and feeling control is incredibly important.
In our experience, we have found that many people feel most comfortable when they have a say in their care.
Talk about the options together and see if there’s anything they might be more comfortable trying out first, like having a carer come in and assist with their routine.
This could include supporting them on an outing to the supermarket, which can provide an opportunity for your loved one to see the benefits of a little extra help in a practical, non-invasive way.
Gradually, this support could extend to helping them at home too, easing them into the idea of regular assistance.
This approach gives your loved one more control over the process, allowing them to clearly see the benefits and being more agreeable to a decision of care.
A little help doesn’t have to feel like a big change.
Maybe start with a carer coming by to lend a hand with specific tasks that are becoming a bit challenging for your family member.
For example, we might begin with light assistance for specific tasks, like housekeeping or preparing meals.
A gradual introduction often helps them see the benefits of a helping hand, without feeling like there is a sudden change in their daily life.
This way, it is not about having help, it is about making life a little bit easier, one day at a time.
Sometimes, it helps to look at things from a different angle.
Discuss how having some support could actually preserve their independence, allowing them to enjoy their home and hobbies even more, and keep up with the social activities they love.
Change isn’t easy and it is okay to take things slowly.
Keep the lines of communication open, reinforce the idea that it’s about improving their quality of life and give them space to think it over.
By taking it step by step, you can help them see the value in a little support and make the transition as smooth as possible.
Discover reassurance through our professional team
Our caring and experienced team is here to provide comfort and peace of mind for both clients and their families.
A little reassurance from a care manager or care professional might just be what they need to consider the option more seriously.
We can answer any questions, share examples of how we have supported others, and provide guidance on what to expect.
We are here for you right in the heart of Sutton Coldfield and if you are curious about our services or have any questions, why not stop by our office?
Does your loved one need home care support? Call us on 0121 308 2906 to get the help they need.
