When a family member has to take control over making care decisions on behalf of an aging parent or elderly relative, there can be resentment and ambivalence when the senior isn’t involved in the process, because they may feel like they’re being treated like a child. While a senior may be unable to single-handedly manage their own care arrangements, the family member responsible can ensure that the senior gets to make some choices of their own.

Seniors may find the process of touring multiple community care facilities, and interviewing many professional caregiving agencies overwhelming and tiring. Family members can do the legwork for them, after talking to the older adult about their specific wants and needs. They may have valuable input regarding the tasks they need assistance with and who they might be able to relate to, so it’s important that this is acknowledged during the process.

The family should narrow down prospective care options once they have completed the research and review required, and then present them to the senior. By only suggesting the senior care businesses that have already been deemed appropriate, the senior can make the final decision, which helps them feel like they’re taking control over their own life decisions.

Source: http://assisted-living.aplaceformom.com/articles/eldercare-decision-and-guilt/