Aug 08, 2017

How to support a loved one who is resisting care

When a loved one is faced with ageing, it is common for them to resist or deny the signs of reduced functionality and therefore loss of their independence. Many customers of aged care services receive requests for service provision after a significant event such as a fall, trauma or loss of function.

Clients therefore further their ageing journey before they start to receive care services. This means that the types of services they receive are more likely to be personal care services (bathing, dressing, toileting), social support and domestic services which assist to maintain their functionality and prevent readmission or recurring events.

Prevention is better than a cure. When clients start having in home care services earlier,  it helps that the services can be planned and delivered in a manner which can prevent injury, incidents and further deterioration.

A loved one resisting the use of aged care services may respond positively to the idea of services being provided with the intention to help them regain functionality, maintain their independence, prevent injury or incident and keep them in their own home for longer than if they are left to their own devices.

Here are some examples of home care services which may help resisting loved ones accept care earlier in their ageing journey.

  1. Domestic Assistance can assist with the prevention of physical injury and provide time to pursue activities of interest, maximising their time and energy with the things they love, rather than cleaning the home, climbing ladders or doing the heavier domestic tasks.

  2. Pet care support means they can keep their pets for longer and ensure their beloved pet care needs are met,

  3. Garden support can assist them in maintaining their landscape and garden in a safe and supportive manner,

  4. Home Modifications such as bathroom rails, modified chairs and beds and other equipment to assist with independence and assist with preventing falls

  5. Physiotherapy can assist with maintaining physical functionality, gross motor skills and general physical fitness of the client

  6. Social support prevents feelings of isolation and mental health challenges such as anxiety and depression

  7. Group social activities facilitate meeting new friends and companions. Unfortunately, as we age, we tend to lose friendships as friends pass away

  8. Retirement villages can provide a one stop shop for all their needs including social events and companions on an ‘as needed’ basis.

These benefits are just a few ways to support loved ones considering aged care services. Receiving services is often perceived as taboo, a sign that they’re losing their independence and resistance is often a sign of the denial of their ageing journey. They may be more welcoming to the option of care services if it is presented in a way which supports them to maintain their independence for longer.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

Will Stubborn Silos Threaten the Quality of Aged and Disability Care?

Back in 2014 I encouraged the aged care and disability sectors to “move out of the silos” and share services, including sharing staff. I believe more firmly than ever that this needs to happen. I said back then there are undoubtedly common skills and attributes required of workers from both sectors. I suggested that a... Read More

“19 of the 44 standards are irrelevant”: An aged care owner’s perspective

A couple of weeks ago, we published an article titled ‘Is Six Minutes Long Enough for Aged Care Staff to get Residents Ready Each Morning?’ The article reached nearly 20,000 of our Facebook followers, and attracted nearly 200 comments and shares. One reader, Anton Hutchinson, whose family has proudly owned Canberra Aged Care Facility for over 30... Read More

Apathy And Dementia, The Signs And Science

Part 1 of 2 Dementia is a condition that has far reaching consequences. For both the people managing its effect on their brain and lifestyle and for family members that are alongside them. To enter into this discussion is to first acknowledge how difficult it is. How difficult it is to have your life change... Read More
Advertisement