You've spent hours pouring over information regarding elder care; you've
researched and developed a plan of care for your elderly loved one that should
be etched in gold! You're feeling so relieved, knowing that they will now be
safe at home, and a caregiver will be there with them when you can't...until the
day arrives when the caregiver comes to meet them, and your loved one refuses to
open the door! What do you do now?
There can be many causes for this reaction to your plan. Perhaps they feel a
loss of control in their lives. Maybe they resent feeling like they aren't
trusted to be alone at home any longer, and their self esteem is hurting.
Maybe they're afraid of having a stranger in their home. Maybe they want
their privacy and don't really understand why they need help in the first place!
The way you respond to your loved one's concerns may eventually determine if
your "golden" care plan is going to be successful or not.
Before you even begin to initiate your care plan, include your loved one in
the "research project." Make sure they feel like they are a part of making the
decisions as to who to hire, when the caregiver should come, and what type of
care they may need.
Even if they aren't completely sure they need the help, it may give them the
added confidence they need to know that you still value their input and respect
their opinions.
If your loved one is fearful of having strangers in their home, listen to
their concerns and let them know you understand. When deciding who to hire, make
sure you go to a reputable agency that does criminal background checks and has
good referrals and testimonials. Reassure your loved one of those things when
you make your final choice.
Make sure the caregiver comes to meet them for the first time when you are
there with them, and give them a chance to form an initial impression before you
insist on keeping that particular caregiver. Usually after just a few visits,
the apprehension dissolves into a cheery, trusting relationship that your loved
one will truly enjoy.
If they just don't agree that they need the help, you have unfortunately
entered into the greatest challenge of all, especially if your loved one is
suffering from altered thought processes and is unable to identify with your
concerns.
This may be the time to be loving but firm with them, and let them know that
there really isn't a choice when their safety is at stake. Reassure them that
your motive is to help them live at home for as long as they can safely do that,
and let them know you're on their side. Make compromises if you can safely do
so; for instance, have the caregiver come the same number of visits per week,
but maybe for shorter time periods.
Try referring to the caregiver as the "cook" or the "housekeeper" ...let them
know you want to pamper them! Make sure your loved one realizes they aren't
expected to entertain their "guests", and they can go about doing whatever they
would normally do if no one was there. On the other hand, if your loved one
enjoys socializing, suggest a lively game of cards when their caregiver is
there, or some other activity with them that your loved one would enjoy.
Persistence is the key...in time, your loved one will grow to accept their
new lifestyle and the friction will dissipate.
Remember, in the midst of all these issues, your own health and lifestyle are
also important. Caregiver burnout can be a real threat to you and your family if
your loved one doesn't cooperate with the plan of care you have worked so hard
to design for them.
Don't allow yourself to be manipulated by a false sense of guilt if your
loved one has difficulty making these adjustments. In time, they will realize
that you have their best interest at heart, and they may even grow to appreciate
you for it!