Here is how you can help.
People have a more difficult time managing to care for themselves as they age. Especially if a spouse has passed and they live alone. This Pandemic has added an extra layer of isolation and possible depression or melancholy. Some seniors may be unwilling to follow their doctor’s orders and take the medications that they need to stay healthy. Other aging parents simply cannot comply with some orders or follow medical advice. Because they have a physical, mental, or logistical challenges, following orders is difficult.
Understanding the Limitations and Working With Your Senior
Compliance is a difficult topic to tackle with older parents because they have to want to do something. Parents cannot be forced to do anything they don’t want to do. Unless they are no longer capable of making their own decisions, force won’t work. However, there are other tactics that concerned family members can take. The most effective way to communicate that you are worried about your parents is to just tell them. It’s as simple as saying you’re worrying too much about them. Keeping it high level usually works best. By pointing out everything that has gone wrong, parents may become defensive.
Accepting Help
Once you understand that you can’t force a parent to accept help, start thinking about how you can get them to accept it. To empathize with them is key. As concerned as you are about their health and safety, they are probably just as concerned as you are. Coming up with alternative solutions that allow your parents to have a say or have control over what happens will encourage accepting help. If they are past the point that staying in their home is not an option, because of health, safety, fall risks or memory loss.
It is important that you empathize and they understand that something has to change for them.