While your mom’s wishes have always been to age in place, it’s obvious to your family that she needs help. She’s finding it difficult to go down her steep basement stairs, and that’s where the laundry room is. Your mom struggles to cook for one, so she often snacks rather than eat a balanced meal.

Elder care is the right solution to her needs, but you’re not sure she’ll adapt well to having to rely on someone else. What can you do to help her get used to her elder care aides?

Talk About It Ahead of Time

Talk to your mom about what the caregiver is going to be doing. If your mom is prepared and knows what to expect, it will be easier for her to adjust.

For example, the caregiver is coming to do the housework each week. Talk to your mom about the tasks that will be completed, such as vacuuming, dusting, dishes, and laundry, and make sure your mom can direct the caregiver as to where the supplies are stored.

Complete a Trial Run

Stop by and pose as the caregiver for a day. Do everything the caregiver will be doing. Ask your mom questions, just as her caregiver would do. If the caregiver will be offering medication reminders, make sure you remind your mom the same way a caregiver would.

The more your mom knows about each caregiver visit, the easier it is for her to be prepared. If you’re going through the daily routine and find your mom has questions or concerns, address them.

Stick Around

Stick around for the first few days of elder care services. If you can work from home, set up a temporary workspace in a spare bedroom. Shut the door and get to work as soon as the caregiver arrives and is situated.

If your mom is being particularly difficult or the caregiver has questions your mom cannot answer, the caregiver can knock on the door to ask you. If your mom is feeling uncomfortable, she knows you’re nearby for support.

As the hours pass and your mom starts to settle in with her caregiver, you can start going out for a walk or running errands. Your mom will continue to gain confidence and feel secure with her new caregiver. When you’re sure your mom can handle greeting her caregiver on her own, you can go to work as usual and return to your routine knowing your mom has the help she needs to complete her daily activities.

Elder care aides have far more experience with introductory meetings than you do. Don’t stress over your mom’s first days too much. It’s going to go better than you think. Soon, your mom and her elder care aide will have a close bond, which ensures your mom has the companionship and support she needs to maintain her independence.

If you or an aging loved one is considering elder care in Potomac, MD, please contact the caring staff at Care At Home today. 301-970-9706

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Ann Smith RN

Owner at Care at Home

Ann Smith, RN, Realtor® Your local Home care and Home transition expert Ann is a Registered Nurse and a Realtor with a passion and dedication to serving her community. She has over twenty years of nursing experience in pediatric, geriatric, home health care, and care management. She founded Care at Home, a home care company, to provide seniors with services that promote independence and safe aging in place. Ann is dedicated to helping seniors achieve stress-free retirement living by providing comprehensive services from health to home. Ann's mother instilled in her the value of hard work, dedication, and service to others at a young age, which is now a driving force in her home care agency. Her caring and compassionate work with seniors began when she was just 17 years old. She was offered a job as a caregiver. Just as quickly, she instinctively knew that this would be her life's work. She soon became a nurse and has since helped many older adults transition seamlessly into a new phase of life. While helping seniors and individuals with their home care needs, it became apparent that part of the transition process often involved selling their current home for more suitable living arrangements. That's when Ann decided to add real estate services to alleviate stress and enhance her client's experience. It's also how she became known as the Home Transition Agent. Today, Ann helps her mature clients achieve stress-free retirement living by providing in-home care and comprehensive services from health to home. Ann's love for children and dedication to helping families caring for children with chronic health conditions inspired Pediatric Care at Home, a division of Care at Home that provides pediatric nursing care. Ann and her team are dedicated to providing compassionate care to all, from infants to older adults. When Ann isn't busy helping her patients and clients, she volunteers her time at women's shelters and fostering dogs. She and her veteran husband enjoy a simple life in the countryside, where farm animals and country life surround them. Ann also enjoys reading, photography, gardening, and nature walk with their dogs.

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