4 Questions to Ask if Older Adults Refuse Care

The majority of us are basically self-sufficient throughout our lives. It might be tough to admit that we or a loved one needs support when mobility or sensory loss concerns, forgetfulness, or even dementia-related behaviors appear. 

A kettle left on the burner missed medical prescriptions, and poor personal grooming is all signals that additional assistance is required at home. Refusing assistance isn’t always a sign of arrogance. There are legitimate reasons for refusing medical treatment.

If Help Or Care Is Declined, Ask These 4 Questions

1. Are You Worried About The Financial Costs Of Caring For Others?

Caregiving expenses vary, and many factors are taken into account when evaluating the cost of care. According to research, dementia care is more expensive than treatment for other diseases.

Researchers found that the average cost of caring for those with dementia in their last five years of life was $287,038, compared to $175,136 for those who died of heart disease, $173,383 for those who died of cancer, and $197,286 for those who died of other causes, using data from 1,702 Medicare recipients 70 and older who died between 2005 and 2010.

There are just as many factors to consider when evaluating the cost of care as there are when considering how to pay for it. People often overestimate the cost of in-home caregiving or misjudge their own financial situation. If paying for treatment is a concern, consider the following options to help pay for it.

• Examine your monthly income, expenses, cash reserves, and investments to make an honest financial inventory.
• Create an accurate financial picture to ensure that everyone involved is aware of the facts.
• Look for underutilized resources, such as a home with no mortgage or veterans’ benefits.
• To build an unbiased budget, get the help of a competent financial expert.

2. Are You Concerned About Your Privacy Being Violated?

Bathing, dressing, and meal preparation, for example, can be difficult due to a variety of causes. Other diseases also add up to this difficulty.

Consider trial and error as a viable solution if an invasion of privacy is a concern.

• Pledge to begin modestly by employing a caretaker for a few hours each week on a trial basis. This gives both parties time to build a trusting connection and alleviates concerns about privacy invasion.
• Inquire if a loved one would want a family member to assist with bathing or going to the toilet. The senior may prefer a professionally trained caregiver to assist them with these duties rather than burdening a family member.

3. In What Conditions Do You Think You’ll Need Caring Assistance?

A sense of pride motivates many people to resist professional home care. They’ve always looked after themselves and believe they will continue to do so. 

You provide a loved one a sense of control by presenting the subject of caregiving as a projected future development instead of a “now or never” situation. Remember to be empathetic rather than confrontational during these talks. The goal of this exercise is to gather information, not to harass your loved one.

4. In These Scenarios, What Advice Would You Give A Friend?

An elderly adult may not perceive the need for caring assistance owing to dementia or plain human frailty. However, they are generally quick to notice when others require assistance.

If assistance is still rejected, consider the “asking for a friend” strategy.

• Make use of the tried-and-true “asking for a friend” scenario by constructing a setting that is comparable to your loved ones to assess their attitude toward caring assistance.
• When bridging the topic again, remember this topic again.

Power battles over whether or not an aging adult requires care can arise while navigating the complexities of interpersonal relationships (and, in some cases, family politics). 

However, by asking a few crucial questions attentively, you might be able to figure out why a loved one is denying care and gently encourage him or her to reconsider. Remember that the goal should always be to work while keeping the aging adult’s best interests in mind.