How Do I Talk to My Parents About Care?

Talking to your parents about care can feel like stepping into a minefield. You might worry about how they’ll react. Will they feel hurt? Defensive? Let down? Will they see it as the loss of their independence and dignity?

The truth is, this conversation doesn’t have to be difficult.

At Horizons Homecare, we believe care isn’t just about ticking boxes and doing tasks. It’s about people being human, showing companionship, and dignity. It’s about supporting people with small things that make a big difference. Not taking over, but making life easier.

Why Is This Conversation So Hard?

Many people associate “care” with a loss of control. They picture clinical environments, nurses in uniforms, strangers taking over, and a shift from independence to dependence. But care at home isn’t about losing freedom, it’s about keeping it for longer.

It can be such an important conversation to have and more often than not, we see people who call for help after an accident has happened or after they spot a loved one needing some support around the home. Care is a service that is better to have in place with minimal support than to require it urgently and not have it ready in place.

Try Reframing the Conversation

Instead of making it about “care”, try making it about:

• Well-being – “I just want to make sure you’re happy and comfortable at home.”

• Helping with the little things – “Wouldn’t it be nice to have someone pop in to help with making the bed and doing the washing?”

• Companionship – “It would be great to have someone to chat with or go for a short walk with.”

• Peace of mind – “This isn’t about now. It’s about making sure you have the right support if you ever need it.”

The majority of people that need help at home (for whatever reason) have family that also have very busy lives, and they can't stop their own lives to become a carer. Even if that is possible, it can be an extremely difficult situation to try and be a family member and a carer simultaneously.

Care Doesn’t Have to Be Clinical

With Horizons Homecare, care isn’t just about personal support. It’s about enhancing life. We can help with:

• Companionship & social visits – Someone to chat with over a cup of tea.

• Light household tasks – Helping with the jobs that become trickier, like changing bedding or dusting hard-to-reach places.

• Support with daily routines – A little help in the mornings and evenings to make life that bit easier.

• Errands & outings – A friendly face to accompany them shopping, to appointments, or even for a walk in the park.

Starting the Conversation

Pick the Right Time

• A relaxed setting is best. Over a cuppa, during a walk - wherever they feel comfortable.

• Make It About Them – Focus on how care can support them, not take over.

• Listen – Their fears and concerns matter.

• Let them express how they feel.

• Take It Slow – There’s no rush. A trial visit can ease them into the idea.

Care That Feels Like Family

At Horizons Homecare, we don’t believe in rushed visits or unfamiliar faces. Our carers build real relationships with the people they support, ensuring care feels personal, friendly, and dignified.

If you’re thinking about care for your loved one, we’re happy to chat - no pressure, just honest advice.

📞 Call us on 01253 202 922 or visit 🌍 www.horizonshomecare.co.uk to learn more.

💬 Have you had this conversation with your loved ones? What worked for you? Share your experiences with us!