What to do when an elderly parent refuses needed care

You care about your aging parent so much and for some reason, they’re just not listening to you and your pleas for them to go to the doctor. You try and you try, but nothing you say is convincing your parent that whatever is going on in their mind or body is worth checking out. So, here are expert tips for what to do when elderly parents refuse needed care.

•    Try to see where your aging parent is coming from.
• Work with a Geriatrician
• Consider changing your approach
• Ask if your parent would be willing to go with another family member or a friend
• Ask another family member or friend to reach out to your parent.
• Email or fax your parent’s medical provider
• Take a break and give your parent some space.
• Continue communicating and engaging with your loved one
• Get professional help

See the full article from the Center for Mental Health and Aging at https://www.mentalhealthandaging.com/common-topics/aging-parent-refusing-to-go-to-the-doctor/

Caregiver’s Corner | Resources for the Journey | Refusing Help…Let’s Talk

10 Tips for Having Tough Conversations with Aging Parents

https://americareinfo.com/articles/10-tips-for-having-tough-conversations-with-aging-parents/

Our parents often need extra help as they age but they may resist the extra attention to their personal matters. Having tough conversations with our parents about their future health and well-being can be difficult for us and frustrating for them.

8 Phrases to Avoid When Talking to Aging Parents

https://pathslawfirm.com/how-to-talk-to-aging-loved-ones/

Approaching tough topics with empathy is easy to say but hard to do.  We’ve compiled 8 concrete things you should not say to your aging parents, especially when discussing assisted living, retirement, or other major life transitions.

Aging Parents Checklist: A Guide to Senior Life Planning | Aging Parents Checklist & Health and Medical Information

https://www.thezebra.com/resources/home/aging-parents-checklist-a-guide-to-senior-life-planning/

Why Aging Parents Refuse Help (And How to Change Their Mind) | Serving Longevity

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JQfmFpcDhgw | Video 3:58

Why do aging parents refuse help even when it’s clear they need it? You offer support, and they shut you down. You suggest home care, and they go silent. This resistance is one of the hardest challenges adult children face when caring for aging parents.

Rewind | Elder Care Workshop Recording

Difficult Dementia Conversations | 38.26 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DSjw8tz-jBs&list=PLJHRhw3pdEV4xaJB0qrLJPLwlpmzPeEzK&index=11

When someone is showing signs of dementia, it’s time to talk. Often, conversations with family about changing behaviors can be challenging and uncomfortable. This program provides tips for breaking the ice with your family, so you can address some of the most common issues that are difficult to discuss: going to the doctor for a diagnosis or medical treatment, deciding when to stop driving, and making legal and financial plans for future care. Presented by the Alzheimer's Association.