Talking to a parent about live-in care: a guide for families
Why these conversations feel difficult
At Helping Hands, we understand that talking to a family member about care can be daunting and often overwhelming.
It’s a big change to someone’s daily life when deciding to accept extra support. It may feel like a huge shake up of someone’s indepedence and identity. Worrying about having someone in their home, losing control, or becoming a burden on their family are all important topics to keep in mind. For family members that are looking to begin the conversation, the idea may also bring feelings of guilt, worry and uncertainty. It can be hard to know when to raise the subject or how your parent might react. We’ve been around since 1989, so we’re well experienced when it comes to excellent care and how to approach the subject with your loved ones. Approaching the conversation with patience and understanding can help. Focus on listening to their concerns and explaining that live-in care can provide extra support while helping them remain comfortable and independent in their own home. The NHS also has further guidance that you can explore with their guide to social care and support.
Signs it may be time to consider live-in care
Some signs to look out for in a parent can include:
Responding to common worries
"I don't want a stranger in my home"
At Helping Hands, we care deeply about your carer never feeling like a stranger. In fact, we match your carer to your personality, interests and preferences. We’ll always try to keep the same carer at every visit too, so you can form a trusted and friendly relationship. We’re incredibly proud of how our carers are becoming part of the family all over the UK, and we know you’ll soon grow to care deeply for your carer too!
"I can still manage on my own"
It’s common for an individual to believe they do not need any support, but for family members, it can be obvious how this would benefit them. Helping Hands can provide guidance on how to begin the conversation around getting help, and we can offer visiting care which starts from just 30 minutes a week. So, extra support doesn’t have to be full-on and can begin as a smooth transition into extra help without being overwhelming.
"It costs too much"
At Helping Hands, we’re always fully upfront and transparent about our prices and our Customer Service Adviser’s are always there to take you through it. We also offer a free initial consultation at your doorstep so you can get a feel of what we do and whether it’s for you. Instead of carers looking after multiple people within a care home, your carer is solely focused on just you. Don’t forget – you’ll get to remain in the home you love for as long as possible too!
"Isn't this the same as a care home?"
No. A care home involves you relocating from your home into accommodation with other people needing care. Helping Hands allows you to remain in the home you love with a dedicated and compassionate carer alongside you. We know that home is where the heart is, so we’re passionate about providing excellent care to your home, rather than you having to leave the place you love most.
How to start the conversation
Beginning to talk around care can result in a calm, respectful and productive conversation that leads to extra support.
Choose a calm, comfortable time to talk and approach the subject gently. Rather than making the conversation about what your parent can no longer do, focus on how they are feeling and what support might make everyday life easier. Ask open questions, listen to their concerns, and reassure them that considering live-in care does not mean giving up their independence. It is simply about exploring options that could help them feel safe, supported and comfortable at home. A conversation is likely to be productive if you are:
What to do if your parent says no
Try not to put pressure on them or make the conversation feel like a decision they have to make immediately.
If your parent says no to care, then we cannot provide our services. We must have the consent of the individual before we can help. We know that sometimes it’s easy to see that your parent needs extra support, but they may not want to acknowledge this themselves or may not be quite ready. It may help to start with a smaller step, such as occasional visiting care, before considering live-in care. This can allow your parent to become more comfortable with having support at home while still maintaining their independence.
How live-in care helps a parent stay at home
Personalised support
Live-in care provides one-to-one support tailored to your parent’s unique needs, routines and preferences. This can make everyday tasks easier while allowing them to remain in familiar surroundings.
Companionship
Having a live-in carer can provide regular companionship and reassurance, helping to reduce loneliness and encourage social interaction. A familiar presence can also provide peace of mind for family members.
Maintaining independence
Live-in care can help your parent continue doing the things they enjoy while receiving support where needed. With help available around the clock, they can remain safely and comfortably at home for longer.
Taking the next step with Helping Hands
At Helping Hands, we take pride in our ability to adapt to your needs. We can offer expert home care on a live-in, visiting or respite basis.
Visiting care
Live-in care
A fully regulated home care provider
Here at Helping Hands, our service is regulated by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) and the Care Inspectorate Wales (CIW)
This means we need to consistently meet high standards and are monitored by our regulators.
