We might all know that asking for help is a better, safer option for accomplishing certain things, but we might choose to struggle to maintain the appearance of being independent. Why does it feel like lending a hand to help others is easier than asking for help when we need it?
Staying Independent
Many of us have raised families, held important careers, and efficiently got things done for decades without batting an eye. Doing things ourselves can be a source of pride from a young age. Once we learn to do something, we do it.
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No one wants to admit something is too hard, that they’re too tired, or that they’ve succumbed to an injury or illness. Letting someone else take over can feel unusual and even frustrating—especially later in life. Here are some additional thoughts that may prevent people from asking for the help they need:
- They won’t do things the way I want.
- I wish I could keep doing stuff myself; I’ll keep trying.
- They’re busy; they don’t have time for that.
- I don’t want to be a bother.
- They’ll get frustrated with me.
- They’ll know I have changed.
- If I ask for help, they’ll think it’s time for me to move to senior living.
Whoa! Mic drop! Advice like, “You need to move to senior living,” could prevent someone from asking for help ever again—even if they should!
Advice for Helping Senior Loved Ones
If an aging loved one contacts you for help, rally a team. Maybe that’s a few family members with their best interests in mind or perhaps a trusted friend or neighbor. If the help they need is extensive, the team approach can offer relief.
Discuss as a group what service options are available. Consult with providers in the area or work as a team to assist until a helpful decision can be made. Suggesting senior living as an immediate solution to their needs isn’t the best approach to helping—not everyone needs it, and not everyone is ready.
Sometimes, it just takes having peace of mind that someone is available to help for improvements to be made. That could mean hiring caregivers through home care services or even home healthcare staff. Needing help isn’t always permanent.
Say your loved one had a fall and is recovering, or they had an illness that caused them to slow down a bit. In those instances, home health therapies could help them get stronger. A nurse could oversee their care and help them reach their goals right at home.
Home health services can help seniors in private residences or senior living apartments. In either setting, they aim to strengthen their clients so they can do things safely and independently. From hands-on care to education, home care and home health can help seniors prolong their move to senior living if they’re not ready.
Most people put off senior living and moving from the homes they’ve lived in for decades because they want to maintain their independence. In reality, senior living can help encourage each resident to have a voice and keep doing what they can for as long as possible. Residents can choose from a wide range of services to meet their needs.
Prospective residents meet with a nurse before moving in to discuss their abilities and health. Sometimes, independent living is more appropriate for residents who need little support. Care levels can also change after a resident moves in based on what each resident truly needs to maintain their health.
Senior living has evolved into all-around wellness, so those who choose to live in our communities, whether in independent living, assisted living, or memory care, all have access to the services they need to live fulfilled, purposeful lives. If you’d like to learn more, don’t hesitate to contact us at info@edgewoodhealthcare.com. We’d love for you to tour and experience senior living firsthand.
