If your senior parent is refusing help, it’s more common than you think. Surprisingly, 77% of adult children believe their parents are stubborn about taking their advice or getting help with daily tasks. You might be doing all you can to try and improve your parents’ quality of life, but they won’t accept your help or advice. Lucky for you the situation isn’t hopeless! 

How to Motivate Your Senior Parents in the Right Way

Are your parents refusing your help? Here’s what you can do to help them:

1. Identify the Cause of Their Actions

Aging can be an overwhelming process for many, especially when dementia or other mental health issues come into account. Taking the time to consider how your parents process everything can help in communicating with them. 

Your parents independence is extremely important to them, so ask yourself – Are they acting this way because they feel like they’re losing their independence, dealing with depression or dementia? Could they be acting out because they’re afraid of something?

Identifying the root cause, or causes, of your parents’ behavior can help you identify the best way to make positive changes.

2. Allow Them to Think for Themselves

Even though you’re just trying to do the best for your parents, you can’t control them. They have the right to make decisions on their own, even if they might not be the best decisions. It might be against your better judgement, but accepting this can lower your stress and improve your relationship with them. 

3. Choose Your Battles Wisely 

Nagging doesn’t work with anyone, so in the long run it’s better to choose what the top priorities are. Focus on the most important issues, such as matters concerning your parents health and safety. It’s more likely that your parents will take your concerns more seriously if you don’t bombard them with several concerns at once. Take your time and show that you care in a patient and understanding way. 

4. Treat Them Like the Adult They Are

You might feel that things have switched when it comes to the roles of parent and child, but you should still treat your senior parent with respect. Remember not to treat your parents like a child, seniors should be autonomous.

When they’re behaving irrationally, it can be tempting to threaten to move them to a nursing home against their will or insist you know what’s best. But these tactics will only drive a wedge between you and your parents.

When it comes to dealing with aging parents, remember this: Above all, the goal is to help your parents receive the best care possible. You’re much more likely to get positive results by treating your aging parents like the adults that they are. This goes for simple tasks, such as helping your parents remember to take their medications, and harder tasks, like helping them get treatment for diabetes.

Growing older is full of challenges, so what do you do when an elderly parent refuses to take the necessary care? Ironically, you need to listen. By paying attention to your parents’ needs, you can make dealing with aging parents less stressful for everyone.

Reno Valley Assisted Living and Retirement Community

Reno Valley is an assisted living and retirement community that makes living independently, while at the same time feeling safe and secure, a reality. We strive to provide the best quality of life for all residents including those suffering from loneliness and depression.

We offer a comprehensive activity program that includes both physical and social activities to encourage emotional well-being. Our staff is trained to assist those with depression. If you or a loved one are considering assisted living, contact Reno Valley today to learn more about our services or tour our community.