As a family caregiver, you put a tremendous amount of time, energy, effort, and resources into caring for your aging parent, and ensuring their needs are fulfilled. You’d like to think your senior would always be receptive to this care and appreciative of everything you do. Unfortunately, this is not always the case. Some elderly adults are resistant to care, and will not want to listen to you, or cooperate with the efforts you try to give them. If you are facing this type of resistance from your elderly loved one, it is very important for you to take steps to deal with this challenge and continue to give your parent the care they need.
Home Care in Huntington NY: When a Parent Won’t Accept Help
Use these tips to help you handle caring for a parent who won’t accept your help:
- If it’s not dangerous, accept the situation. Nothing truly terrible is going to happen if your parent skips a shower or doesn’t want to eat their dinner for one night. As long as their health and safety aren’t at immediate risk, be willing to let things go. In other words, pick your battles.
- Don’t blame yourself. You might feel like your aging parent is resisting your care because you are not a good enough caregiver, or that you aren’t reaching out to them. Don’t let yourself think this way. Remind yourself that you are doing to best you can for your senior, and that they are still an individual who has the right to make decisions, even if they aren’t the same as the ones you would choose for them.
- Appeal to their emotions. Your parent may not want to receive care or assistance because they don’t feel they need it, or they feel like they should be able handle their needs on their own. If this is the type of resistance your senior is showing, appeal to their emotions instead. Ask them to do something for you, so you don’t worry about them, or to make your children feel better. They may be more willing to cooperate if they feel like they are doing something for a person they love.
Being a family caregiver for your aging parent can be one of the most fulfilling and meaningful things you do in your life. It can also be one of the most challenging, and even overwhelming. This can be particularly true if your aging parent is resistant to the care you give them, is struggling with intense care needs, or you already have a busy and demanding schedule. Starting home care for your aging parent can be an exceptional way for you to feel confident you are doing the best for your aging parent, while also giving yourself more time, preserving your energy, and protecting your mental and emotional health and well-being. The services of an in-home senior care provider are specifically designed to help your parent manage their specific needs in ways that are right for them, while still respecting the care you give them. This way, your relationship with your aging parent is honored, and you can help them to live the quality of life and fulfilling lifestyle they desire and deserve.
If you or an aging family member are considering professional home care in Huntington, NY, please call the caring staff at A Gentle Touch Senior Home and Health Care at 631-647-7622 today.