8 Tips for Talking to the Family About Companion Care

Your mom’s had rheumatoid arthritis for years, but it’s worsening. She’s starting to experience joint deformities that make it hard for her to complete some of the daily activities she’s used to doing on her own. She agrees she needs help around the home.

Before you gather the family to discuss the next steps, make sure you know what to talk about and how to address it. Here are eight tips for talking about companion care at home.

1. Be Honest With Yourselves

No one enjoys watching their parents get older, but you have to be honest. If you wait to arrange help until something happens, you’ll regret waiting. Discuss care needs before a fall or another injury happens.

2. Your Mom’s Input Takes Priority

Do not make plans without involving your mom. Let her give input and ask questions.

3. All Opinions Matter

Do not discount something your sister says just because she’s not at your mom’s house as often as you are. Everyone’s opinion matters.

4. Talk to Your Mom’s Medical Team

If you haven’t talked to your mom’s doctors, make sure you do. Their medical input can be incredibly helpful in planning care needs in the months to come.

5. Consider Her Home’s Layout

Your mom’s home can impact how much care she needs. If she lives in a two-story home, how easy is it for her to get upstairs to her bedroom? Is it possible to turn a den downstairs into a bedroom?

6. What Can She Do Independently?

What is your mom still doing independently? Does she love to bake bread? That’s a great exercise for strengthening and easing pain in the joints in the wrist and fingers.

But, she has a harder time walking down a flight of stairs. Her laundry room is in the basement, so laundry is a struggle for her. You need to start making notes regarding where she needs help.

7. Don’t Overlook the Simple Things

You might not realize how hard it is for your mom to drive. Her fingers don’t easily hold the steering wheel or grasp a gear shift knob. That makes it hard for her to drive, so it’s time to discuss the need to have someone else available to drive her around.

8. Realize All that Companion Care at Home Offers

Make sure you consider everything that companion care offers. Your mom may not need a lot of help with housework and laundry, but she may feel lonely or isolated when you’re busy at work. Companionship can help her stay active, which is important when rheumatoid arthritis is present.

Once you’ve decided the best way to help your mom age in her home, arrange the companion care at home that’s necessary. Make sure you’ve worked out a care plan with other family members to ensure anyone that wants to help out has the chance.