Most seniors want to remain independent as they age, and part of retaining their independence is remaining in their own home. However, as people age, they may develop physical and mental health issues that may make it harder for them to safely live independently. If you have a loved one who cannot safely care for themselves at home, hiring an in-home caregiver in Southern Arizona can allow them to remain in the comfort of their own home while getting the support and care they need.

But what can you do if your loved one is resistant to hiring an in-home caregiver? Keep reading to gain a deeper understanding of why seniors sometimes resist the idea of needing in-home care, and how you can help your loved one get the care they need to maintain their health and safety.

Why Is Your Loved One Resisting In-Home Care Services?

There are many different reasons someone might resist the idea of hiring an in-home caregiver. In order to help your loved one, you will need to find out the specific reasons they are refusing to get the help they need. Some of the most common reasons that seniors resist in-home care services are:

Fear of aging or of being a burden
Inability to admit that they need help
Privacy or security concerns
Depression about their declining health
Frustration that they can no longer take care of themselves
Desire for their family members to provide care instead of a stranger
Fear of change or fear of strangers
Worries that having an in-home caregiver means they are closer to death
Fear that the caregiver will make them change their routine, diet, lifestyle, or habits

Conditions That Could Affect a Loved One’s Feelings Towards In-Home Care

Certain conditions can increase your loved one’s risk of avoiding home care, or affect their feelings towards in-home care services:

Alzheimer’s and dementia – Some of the symptoms of Alzheimer’s and dementia can increase a person’s chances of being avoidant to in-home care. Someone with Alzheimer’s or dementia may have irrational fears, mood swings, or paranoia that makes them distrust strangers or even their own family members.
Stress or anxiety – If your loved one suffers from stress or anxiety, they may have a hard time adapting to change, especially if it involves their own home. They may not like the idea of having a stranger in their space.
Traumatic loss – If your loved one has recently lost a spouse or other loved one, they may feel hopeless or depressed. They may not see the point in seeking help or feel motivated to improve their physical or mental health.
Misunderstanding of their own abilities – Your loved one may not understand their own strengths and weaknesses. There may be a disconnect between what they believe they are capable of and what they are actually capable of.

Tips for Talking to Your Loved One About Home Care Services

The best way to change your loved one’s attitude about home care services is to have frequent, honest conversations about the need for home care and the benefits of home care. Your loved one should feel like they have some control over the matter, but you should also instill in them the urgent need for an in-home caregiver and explain how a caregiver can improve their life. Here are some tips for talking to your loved one about home care services:

Choose the right time and place – Start the conversation about home care when you are both relaxed and comfortable.
Give them time to speak – Be a good listener and give your loved one time to speak about their preferences, needs, and fears. Let them know you truly care and are giving weight to their words.
Discuss the services your loved one needs – Your loved one may be thinking the worst about the idea of getting an in-home caregiver. Make sure they know what a caregiver does and the services they provide. Then discuss the services your loved one may need.
End the conversation on a positive note – You will probably need to have multiple conversations with your loved one. End the conversation on a positive note and tell your loved one you will revisit it again soon after they have had time to think.
Ask others for help – If possible, enlist the help of others. Friends and family can provide support, as can your loved one’s physician.

Strategies for Dealing With Resistance to Hiring a Caregiver

If your loved one is still resistant to hiring a caregiver, you can use these strategies to try to change their mind:

Focus on the positive elements of hiring a caregiver and only discuss caregiving in a positive way.
Schedule a consultation with a caregiver so that your loved one can ask questions and see what services they offer.
Set up a trial run so that your loved one can see what it’s like to have an in-home caregiver.
Discuss your concerns about your loved one’s health and safety and explain that you want to help your loved one remain in their home independently but that they need some help.
Make some compromises and try to reach a common ground with your loved one.

Helping Your Loved One and Caregiver Build a Relationship

Once you have hired a home caregiver, do everything you can to help your loved one and the caregiver build a positive relationship. Be present for the caregiver’s first few shifts so that your loved one will feel more comfortable. Be open and positive about the experience, and facilitate honest communication between your loved one and the caregiver.

Approaching Challenges and Setbacks Productively

Unfortunately, even after your loved one agrees to in-home care, setbacks and challenges can occur. Here are some tips for navigating challenges and problems in a productive, healthy way:

Encourage honesty and an open line of communication.
Try to defuse tensions and act as an unbiased mediator.
Encourage your loved one to see the positive in the situation rather than the negative.
Let your loved one know that their concerns are heard and that you are going to help them resolve their conflict.
Find constructive solutions that work for both parties.
Stress the importance of mutual respect and trust.
Consider asking a neutral party to act as a mediator for major arguments or prolonged conflicts.

Finding the Right In-Home Care Agency in Tucson, AZ

At Placita In Home Care, we have a team of experienced, compassionate caregivers. We offer highly customizable in-home care services in Tucson, AZ, and throughout Southern Arizona. Our goal is to allow your loved one to remain in the comfort of their own home while getting support and assistance that keeps them safe, happy, and healthy.

Our in-home care services include Alzheimer’s care, memory care, joint replacement care, senior care, and hospice care. To schedule a consultation for in-home care in the Tucson or Phoenix metro area, call us today or fill out our contact form online.