As your loved ones grow older they may need memory care in Snellville, GA. However, the fact that they need it does not always translate to them wanting to do it. There are many reasons for this behavior and it is good to kno understand the basis of the refusal before attempting to mitigate it. Here then are some reasons why your loved one may refuse memory care, and some other things you can do about it.
Reason Why They May Refuse Memory CareOne
One of the reasons why your loved one may not think that they have a problem is because they may not see their memory loss as a big deal. It is very likely when the problem is just starting and your loved one may assume that this is just the normal way people forget stuff. Another possible reason is that they may be worried about other factors such as affordability and how memory care programs will affect their lives.
The key reason however why people refuse to join memory care programs is that they are in denial. Losing one’s memory is a scary thing and sometimes it is easier to refuse to face the problem, rather than accept it and have to internalize all the things that come with that. So how can you help a loved one get over this refusal? Here are some tips that you can try.
Change Tact
If your loved one is refusing to join a memory care program, it is clear that whatever approach you are using is not working. For this reason, it makes a lot of sense to change tact and try something different. For example, you could consider letting someone else that they know and trust talk to your loved one. This is because they may be able to package the issue in a way that is different from yours. it is important however that this is someone they trust otherwise they may assume that you are ganging up on them. Another approach is to do a communication self audit. What this means is saying the same thing to someone else and getting feedback about how you are doing it and in what ways you can improve.
Step Back
Sometimes, people just need time to digest what they are being told in order to come to an agreement. Sometimes when our loved ones say no to memory care programs, what they are really asking for is time to digest the information and reach the same conclusion as you have. In such cases, stepping back for a few weeks may actually make the process a lot smoother. In fact, you may be your loved one who eventually brings up the issue after they have had time to internalize it. The thing to note here is that you can’t afford to put it off indefinitely. This is because the effects of memory loss will continue and may even put your loved one in danger. The best way to handle this is to set a deadline when you have to come back and raise the issue with your loved one.
Try To Help Them See Logic
This is likely to work if their refusal is based on cost issues, underestimating the problem or simply not understanding what is entailed in the memory care. if they are in denial, this will not work as this is an emotional reaction which may not be solved by logic. In such a case, you could try any other other suggestions we have given.