When mom refuses support to care for a spouse with Alzheimer’s

I have often seen family circumstances that leave an older adult to manage all the caregiving for their spouse with dementia personally. Even when extended family members are supportive, they no longer know how to provide help. It seems useless to offer support when all such offers are consistently declined. The caregiver may be defensive, wondering why the family suggests she can’t cope any longer. The caregiver hopes the day-to-day can continue to be managed, even if things are progressively getting more demanding. They may deny that life has changed beyond anyone’s ability to provide the required amount of care, and the options may seem overwhelming.

Contemplating different care options may seem beyond the scope of what the exhausted caregiver has the energy to deal with by the end of the day. Often, we see seniors who just can’t seem to accept that the extent of their abilities falls short of what is required to remain independent—not that they may not be cognitively sound or are no longer physically able. Some combination of their mental and physical abilities creates risks, including the premature loss of one’s independence, a loss of dignity, and physical injuries.

More often than not, it takes an objective, professional outsider to help a caregiver take a second look at their situation. Mom or Dad often feel less reserved about sharing their struggles and fears with someone other than family.

Arcadia Home Care has talked to many elderly couples about accepting some support at home. Reach out to one of our knowledgeable, compassionate Care Managers today at (416) 977 0050 ext. 1 if your loved one requires assistance with the challenges of aging. We would love to help you talk to your loved ones about the help they need.