Discussing Care
Accepting help is not always easy to do, especially if it may signify that someone is 'slowing down'. No-one welcomes ageing and the subject of receiving care is always one that should be approached tactfully, to avoid undermining the confidence of the person involved.
Situations vary widely but we have found that in our experience, these guidelines are useful to most people:
When introducing the idea of care, involve your loved one in discussions from the start. Maintaining control is a significant factor in accepting help into your home and private life.
Download a copy of our Needs Assessment Worksheet and go through it together if possible. It will help you identify the kinds of services your family may need.
If there's a noticeable decline in thinking and reasoning in a loved one, you should ask their doctor to arrange tests for cognitive function. It is important to act fast, as early medication is an important factor if dementia is diagnosed.