At Careline365, we believe in supporting the independence of elderly and disabled people across the UK. However, we recognise that for some people the best choice may be to opt for residential care.
This can be a difficult conversation to have with your loved one. They are certain to have several concerns and plenty of questions. You will likely also have questions of your own. To make it easier on everyone involved, here are some tips for approaching the conversation.
Broach the Subject Gently
Discussing residential care for your loved one will be a difficult conversation. Jumping straight into the topic risks distressing them. They may view it as an attack on their independence or dignity. Instead, you should build up to the discussion. Ask your loved one how they have been feeling recently. Let them know it’s okay to ask for help; mention any struggles you have noticed.
Are they keeping on top of their washing up? Have they been socialising? Are they eating well?
Be prepared for them to dismiss the idea of getting help. This may be a conversation you need to bring up again at a later date. If they appear distressed at any time, change the topic. By asking these questions, however, you will have planted the seeds of them asking for help.
Involve Family
The decision for your loved one to enter residential care should not be made without consulting the rest of the family. Everyone, especially your loved one, should have a say in the matter. It may be that other options can be explored first. Perhaps you could arrange for family members to visit more often. If not, it may be that you can hire carers to visit. Another option is to purchase a personal alarm for additional reassurance.
Discussing residential care does not have to result in your loved one moving home. However, often the solutions will not occur to you until you bring up the subject with others.
Provide Reassurance
Discussions around residential care are certain to awaken insecurities in your loved one. They may worry that they are going to lose their independence, or that their family isn’t interested in them anymore. It is important to allay any fears they may have.
This is not to say, however, that you should dismiss their worries. Listen to their concerns and work with them to address the causes.
Make sure not to get drawn into any arguments. When emotions get high, change the subject, and come back to it later.
Consider Financial Arrangements
Naturally, one of the main points to consider when discussing residential care is finances. Care arrangements do not come cheap, so you must make sure this is an option you and your loved one can cover.
Would your loved one be willing to sell their house to cover the costs of care? Do they have enough savings? What benefits are available that may soften the blow?
These are all things you should consider when discussing residential care. If the financial demands seem too high, consider more affordable alternatives. A personal alarm could be the ideal solution.
Let Your Loved One Decide
Ultimately, the choice belongs to your loved one. If they are not ready to move into residential care, that is a choice that must be respected. Conversely, if they decide that it is the best thing for them, continue involving them in the process.
Look through websites with them to find the best placement; encourage them to discuss the idea with their friends. They might have some recommendations. When the time comes to view a placement, try to arrange for your loved one to look around with you. It is important that they will be happy wherever they end up living.
Alternatives to Residential Care
Residential care is not the only option available if your loved one is struggling at home. They might choose to hire a carer, who can visit at prearranged times to provide help around the house. Alternatively, your loved one may prefer a live-in carer. This option could bring all the benefits of residential care without your loved one being forced to leave their home.
Another option, which could be used alongside carers, is a personal alarm from Careline365.
A Careline alarm offers support and reassurance to you and your loved one. They can continue living independently at home, safe in the knowledge that help is always available. With our personal alarms, they simply press a button, and they are put in touch with our 24/7 Care Team. Our team then arrange assistance by contacting assigned emergency contacts.
We offer a range of personal alarms; find out more by reading our in-depth guide. If you have any questions about the personal alarm service, call our helpful customer service team on 0800 101 3333. Finally, don’t forget to order a Careline alarm today.
Essential Plan
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Plug-in Base Unit + Basic pendant
Basic pendant
- Not included, Automatic Fall Detection
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Plug-in Base Unit
- Included, 24/7 Monitoring Service
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SmartTrigger Pendant
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Rapid Connect Hub + SmartTrigger Pendant
SmartTrigger Pendant
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SmartLife Hub
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Fall Detector
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SmartLife Hub
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Recommended
Rapid Connect Hub + Fall Detector
Fall Detector
- Included, Automatic Fall Detection
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- Included, Wearable on Wrist or Neck
- Included, Waterproof
- Included, No Need to Charge
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SmartLife Hub
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