Tips To Convince Your Senior Loved Ones When They Refuse Care

We often see elderly parents refusing help and care from their children. Many adult children find it difficult to convince their parents to take advice or accept help with their daily tasks. Older adults refusing to accept help is the norm, rather than the exception. In this regard it won’t be right to put all the blame on aging adults, at the end of the day it can be hard for them to accept assistance from others after years of being the ones providing the help. Also, no one wants to lose their health or independence. That’s why the first reaction in such cases is always denial.

However, if you have started to notice your parent slowing down a bit, not steady as they once were, and also noticing a few warning signs like unpaid bills piling up, missed appointments or a messy appearance, then it’s likely your loved one needs some form of regular care (home care or assisted living care).

It is common for any of us to be forgetful, all the more so as we age since our memory and cognitive abilities change. However, when memory loss is affecting one’s daily life and functionality, it could be a symptom of dementia. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia. It affects 5.8 million people and is the sixth leading cause of death in the USA. Watch out for symptoms including memory problems (especially remembering recent events), reduced concentration, increasing confusion and disorientation, behavior or personality changes, apathy or withdrawal (limited social skills), loss of ability to carry out everyday tasks. These symptoms necessitate a diagnosis.

Specialized care is required for someone dealing with Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia. Memory care is the best form of senior living in Anthem that offers specialized care for people dealing with Alzheimer’s. After a point, you’ll need professional care for your older adult as Alzheimer’s is a progressive condition.

This article aims to discuss some tried-and-tested tips to get your parents to accept help or consider the idea to say the least. Here are a few things you can do when an elderly parent or loved one refuses required care:

1. Give a listening ear to the reasons behind their refusal of care, which could be due to their fear of losing independence, concerns about adjusting in a new environment (dealing with strangers) if it is an assisted living facility, etc.
2. Reassure them their independence is of utmost importance to you when talking to them. A transition to an assisted living or memory care facility is a great way to retain that independence.
3. Instead of making decisions for them, it’s better to get their inputs and involve them in the decision-making process. Gently raise the subject with them when you feel your parents might need some help. Ask them how they would feel about someone helping them with chores or reminding them about medications, or wouldn’t he/she like to enjoy the company and conversation of others.
4. Last, but not the least, have patience. After all, this is one of life’s big transitions and decisions can’t be (and shouldn’t be) made in a hurry. Be patient with yourself and your parents.

When it comes to your parents’ care, avoid putting off things for a later period. If you see them slow down and deal with health issues (especially memory problems), the sooner you have the conversation with our parents about assisted living, the better. Make them aware of all of the benefits and how assisted living care will keep them independent for as long as possible, and in no time will they lap up the idea.