Although many seniors are aware their cognitive abilities are worsening, some don’t know specifically how dementia creates various challenges, which leads to resistance to care. They may see living with dementia as a normal way of life and want to age in place with minimal assistance. However, as a family caregiver, it would be best to learn about the reasons your aging loved one with dementia is refusing care and determine ways to deal with each challenge.
Fear of Losing Independence
Lashing out is common in seniors living with dementia due to the fear of their independence being threatened. They may have inaccurate perceptions of dementia, and the fear that comes with it clouds their judgment, which may lead to their refusal of help. To prevent this from worsening, speak with your loved one about dementia, remaining transparent but also correcting inaccuracies. Assure your loved one that throughout the progression of the condition, you’ll encourage them to take on as much as possible independently and only step in to ensure their safety and happiness aren’t in jeopardy.
Aging in place can present a few challenges for seniors living with dementia. However, they can still live independently at home with the help of professional dementia care. At Companioa by Institute on Aging (IOA), our Concierge Client Care service includes high-quality, compassionate dementia care management. Our licensed Care Managers advocate for families, offering personalized care planning, medical coordination, lifestyle assistance, and enhanced family communication. With our expert guidance, families are able to navigate healthcare complexities and access the best resources for their loved ones’ wellbeing.
Mental & Physical Challenges
Dementia causes damage to the brain that prevents cells from communicating correctly. As a result, mental and physical challenges occur, such as memory loss, hallucinations, delusions, and panic. When these issues arise, seniors with dementia are more reluctant to accept help for many reasons, including the inability to determine who their caregivers are or assuming every mental and physical aspect of life will lead to new challenges.
Remain calm and try to boost your loved one’s confidence. If you notice your loved one hallucinating, take the time to learn what has caused it and try to ease their mind. Doing so could allow your loved one to remember who you are or accept the assistance you’re trying to offer.
Caring for senior loved ones with dementia can be challenging for families who don’t have expertise or professional training in dementia care, but with caregiver coaching from the Certified Dementia Practitioners at Companioa by IOA, they can learn to navigate the evolving journey of their loved ones’ dementia with expert guidance and emotional support. Families can benefit from home safety assessments, customized action plans, biweekly check-ins, and caregiver support groups.
Personal Space
When it comes to bathing and dressing, your loved one may find it difficult to let go of accomplishing these tasks independently. Your loved one could view receiving assistance as a loss of privacy and feel left out of the decision-making process regarding their hygiene and personal space.
When these acts of resistance occur, offer the reassurance and inclusion your loved one with dementia seeks. For example, if you help your loved one get dressed, ask which pair of shoes or pants they would like to wear. Turn the tasks into a fun experience, allowing your loved one to share their thoughts and opinions, which could boost their confidence and mood.
Activities
Scheduling regular times of day for your loved one to eat, bathe, exercise, and take on other normal activities is vital. It can provide the sense of safety your loved one with dementia needs and give them more confidence, reducing the risk of resistance or arguments.
Wise decision-making should also be tailored to your loved one’s brain activity. For example, your loved one’s brain may function better at certain times of day, especially during the morning or after awakening from an afternoon nap. The objective is to take on daily tasks when their brain is active instead of times when they’re tired and unsettled.
Families who are caring for aging loved ones with dementia can get the personalized support they need with Concierge Client Care from Companioa by IOA. Our three distinct service offerings—Personal Concierge, Caregiver Coaching, and Care Management—ensure the highest level of compassionate professional concierge senior care that’s tailored to each client’s unique needs. We can be your trusted partner, providing the expertise and attention to detail that will help you navigate the complexities of dementia care. To learn about our high-quality dementia care services, give us a call at (415) 750-4111 today.