How to Handle the Emotional Aspects of Bringing in Home Care

Engaging home care for a loved one can be emotional for everyone involved. It is likely a decision that has been challenging to make and stressful. It is important to recognize different people’s feelings about this decision so that everyone can accept and embrace the positive aspects of home care by a Care Professional. At Home Care Assistance, we understand this can be a tricky time and are here to support you and your loved ones as you adjust to this change, as well as ensure the transition is as smooth as possible.

Common Emotional Reactions

It is pretty common for there to be a lot of guilt around this decision. Family members may feel guilty that they are not in a position to care for the person, and the person being cared for may feel guilty that they require this level of care. 

There can also be anxiety and fear around this change. There may be fear about how the care recipient will react to home care being provided. The care recipient and their family members may also be anxious about trusting a new person to come into the home and provide the needed care.

The care recipient may react badly to a Care Professional’s provision of home care. They may fear losing their independence and privacy. Emotional responses such as anger, denial, or sadness may be triggered in your loved one. This resistance can be daunting to deal with.

Everyone involved may also feel a loss of control over the situation. Something previously being managed within the family—your loved one’s care—now involving outside sources of help can change the family dynamic.

Preparing Emotionally for the Transition

While the transition to engaging home care for a loved one can be difficult, steps can be taken to ease it.

The first of these is open communication. Discuss the need for home care openly with everyone involved so you are all in the same place of understanding. Encourage honest conversations about feelings, fears, and expectations, and acknowledge each other’s feelings rather than dismissing them.

It is also essential to involve the care recipient in the decision-making process. This can help the recipient process and address their concerns. Offering choices and preferences to the care recipient where possible can give them a valuable feeling of empowerment, which can help them accept the situation.

Setting realistic expectations for everyone involved is also helpful. This is a significant change, and it is useful if everyone understands there will be an adjustment period. Acknowledging that there will be emotional ups and downs during the transition and discussing how these will be addressed can ease the adjustment process.

4. Coping Strategies for Families

For the family members of the loved one who will be receiving care, it is essential to reach out to your support networks of support groups, friends, or professionals. Sharing experiences with others who have undergone a similar transition can make you feel less isolated and reassures you that you will adjust to the changes.

Recognising that this is a tricky time and taking time to manage your stress and emotional well-being will also put you in a better position to support others. Encouraging all family members to prioritize their mental health during the transition.

There are many positive aspects of home care, and acknowledging and discussing these is also helpful. Home care benefits for the recipient include increased safety and personalised care. It also allows family members to focus on quality time with their loved ones rather than caregiving tasks. In the long run, everyone can benefit and be better off, and relationships can be improved.

Addressing the Emotional Needs of the Care Recipient

The care recipient is often the person who struggles most with the change. It is important to validate the care recipient’s emotions and understand their perspective. Be empathetic and patient as they adjust to this change.

Introducing the care recipient to the Care Professionals gradually can help them adjust. Start with a couple of hours while other families are home to help the care recipient feel comfortable and secure in the new arrangement.

A loss of independence is a complex feeling for a care recipient. However, it does not have to be an all-or-nothing situation. Find things the person can do for themselves and encourage this independence as much as possible. Home care is about what they need and should be tailored to the tasks they need assistance with.

Dealing with Long-Term Emotional Adjustments

Like any other change, having home care takes time to adjust. However, checking in and ensuring everyone is happy with how things are handled during that period can help speed up the process. Regular check-ins also allow for conversations about adjustments that may need to be made along the way.

Conclusion

Bringing in home care has enormous advantages for your loved one and for family members who would otherwise need to provide that care. But it can be an emotional transition. At Home Care Assistance, our Care Professionals understand this and work with you to make the process as easy as possible.

Support at home from a specialist provider, such as Home Care Assistance, can bring enormous benefits and comfort to your quality of life while living independently at home.  Home Care Assistance has viable solutions when it comes to supporting independent living. For more information, get in touch with a Home Care Assistance today.