No matter our age or lifestyle, we all want privacy, and the right to pursue happiness and a quality of life that we determine for ourselves. At GoldLeaf, we understand from a fundamental level that home care for seniors should enhance these elements of life, rather than detract from them. Our wide range of non-medical services are designed from the ground-up to support a healthy and fulfilling lifestyle, rather than one that is defined and confined by medical conditions, age or resources.
If you are considering non-medical home care services for a parent, sibling, or friend, it’s important to understand that the steps that are taken to prepare, adapt and transition to these services can play a tremendous role in the short or long-term success.
Research Before Proceeding
Before you begin discussing non-medical home care options with a loved one, it is imperative that you do prior research and prepare beforehand. One of the more damaging ways that the subject of home care can be broached is by presenting misinformation about what non-medical home care services can or cannot do. At GoldLeafCare.com, we have a detailed list of the services we and our partners provide for seniors, and these services are designed to bolster the independence of our care recipients, rather than restrict or impair their current lifestyle. We also have professionals available by phone that can answer any question, day or night.
Respect and Communication
The most important step in preparing for home care involves the conversations you have with your parent, sibling, or friend that may benefit from non-medical home care services. There should be many conversations, held over a comfortable period of time, that are focused on what they want in terms of home care support and assistance, and these conversations should always be based on a fundamental respect for their right to independence and self-determination.
Never begin a conversation about non-medical home care with an authoritarian tone, and never use language such as “You must…” or “You simply have to…” Begin conversations with open-ended questions, and always respond with empathy and respect. For instance instead of accusing your loved one of not being able to care for themselves, ask open-ended questions about their overall happiness and quality of life, including open-ended questions about transportation, home maintenance and care and meal preparation. If your loved one indicates that they could use assistance in relation to these activities, focus on the specific ways non-medical home care could benefit them and frame the conversation in terms of supporting their current lifestyle, rather than restricting or replacing it.
Introduce Services Gradually
It’s never a good idea to suddenly and drastically alter someone’s lifestyle by introducing too many changes all at once. By introducing non-medical home care services gradually, in a manner that addresses your loved one’s needs on a personalized basis, you can help them better adjust to the concept of accepting support and services from an outside source. The best way to determine the right frequency and scheduling of home care services is through the guidance and support of a home care professional. At GoldLeaf, we provide guidance and support to home care recipients and their families by phone and in-person, and we are always available when you need us, day or night. We believe our clients and their families deserve home health care with compassion, communication, integrity and grace – that’s The GoldLeaf Difference.