
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’s likely a decision that has been both challenging and stressful to make. It is important to recognise different people’s feelings about this decision, so that everyone can accept and embrace the positive aspects of home care provided by a Care Professional. At Home Care Assistance South East Melbourne, we understand this can be a tricky time and are here to support you and your loved ones as you adjust to this change, ensuring 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. Family members may worry about how the care recipient will react to having home care. Both the care recipient and their family may also be anxious about trusting someone new 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 handle.
Everyone involved might also feel a loss of control over the situation. What was once managed within the family – your loved one’s care – now involves outside sources of help, and this 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.
Coping Strategies for Families
For family members of the person receiving care, it’s essential to reach out to your supp[ort networks, such as support groups, friends, or professionals. Sharing experiences with others who have gone through similar transitions 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. Encourage all family members to prioritise their mental health during the transition.
There are many positive aspects of home care, and acknowledging and discussing these is also helpful. For the recipient, home care brings 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 their emotions and understand their perspective. Be empathetic and patient as they adjust to this change.
Gradually introducing the care recipient to the care professional can help to ease the transition. Starting with just a few hours while family members are present in the home can help the care recipient feel more comfortable and secure with 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, adjusting to home care takes time. However, checking in regularly toi ensure everyone is comfortable with how things are going can help the process move along. These check-ins also allow for conversations about any necessary adjustments to the care plan.
Conclusion
Engaging home care offers enormous advantages for your loved one and for family members who would otherwise need to provide that care. However, it can be an emotional transition. At Home Care Assistance South East Melbourne, 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 South East Melbourne, can bring enormous benefits and comfort to your quality of life while living independently at home. Home Care Assistance South East Melbourne has viable solutions when it comes to supporting independent living. For more information, get in touch with us today.