It can be a difficult situation when an elderly parent refuses necessary senior home care. You want what’s best for them, but they may not see it the same way. This can be a challenging obstacle for families to navigate, both emotionally and physically, but it doesn’t have to be an impossible situation. We deal with this often at 4 Seasons Home Care, so we’re here to help provide guidance on how to approach the situation of an elderly parent refusing care.
Listen to their concerns
When an elderly parent refuses care, it is often because they have concerns that have not been addressed. It’s important to listen to their concerns before moving forward with any decisions. This will help you make the right choices for their care, while ensuring they feel heard and understood. Be sure to ask them about their thoughts and feelings on the matter. They may be fearful of losing independence or scared of medical treatment. Identifying the root problem will allow you address it with the right plan that caters to both parties.
Try to understand their perspective
It’s important to empathize with your elderly parent’s perspective. Growing old can often be challenging and can cause feelings of vulnerability. Changes in their health, lifestyle, and other factors could have played a part in their refusal to receive care. Acknowledge their concerns and listen to their explanation, which will help tailor a plan that will be effective for both of you.
Seek professional help
Consulting a professional can help provide you with an objective viewpoint. That expert could be a doctor, a geriatric care manager, or a social worker. They can work with you to create an appropriate care plan that can accommodate your elderly parent’s preferences, goals, and safety. They can also provide insight and advice on how to manage resistance to necessary care.
Try compromise
Compromise may be the key to getting your elderly parent to accept care. Consider negotiating healthy alternatives or lower-risk options, or even just being more involved in their care. There may be multiple ways to achieve the same goal, and it’s important to understand that the solution does not have to be one-size-fits-all. This can involve finding a caregiver that the elderly parent is comfortable with or scheduling certain appointments around the individual’s routine schedule.
Seek out support
Taking care of an elderly loved one who refuses help can be very challenging. Get help. Respite care may be a lifesaver, giving you a break so you can recharge. Turn to other family members, friends or support groups for support. They know what you’re going through and can provide much needed relief and perspective on the situation.
We Can Help Your Parent Ease into Aging
When it comes to taking care of an elderly parent who refuses care, it’s important to remain calm and rational. Listen to their thoughts and feelings, try to see things from their perspective, and seek the help of professionals.
Compromise and seeking support may be key components in developing a successful care plan. With careful planning and communication, you can provide the necessary care to your elderly loved one while still respecting their independence and autonomy. To schedule a consultation with us, please click here.