Tips for Handling Resistance in Your Elderly Loved One
The majority of times, when an elderly person is resisting doing something or communicating with someone, there is a reason behind it. Some of the reasons why your elderly loved one might be resisting include mental health issues, physical health problems, losing a loved one, depression, or feeling upset. If you can get to the bottom of your loved one’s resistance, that could help you to handle it better. Even if you can’t figure it out, these tips could help a great deal.
Using Empathy

Elder Care Santa Monica CA – Tips for Handling Resistance in Your Elderly Loved One
One of the things that could help you to handle your elderly loved one’s resistance is empathy. Take some time to understand what your loved one is going through. Spend some time assessing how they might feel. Empathy could help you to handle your own reactions and help your elderly loved one see that you understand, as well. This could cause them to become less resistant.
Assessing Needs
If your elderly loved one is being resistant, there is likely a reason. It is important to take the time to figure out what your loved one needs. Maybe they are missing out on something that they need. For instance, if they are resisting eating, they might need someone to help them cut up their food, but they don’t want to ask. By determining your elderly loved one’s needs and meeting those needs, you could help them to become less resistant.
Avoiding Distractions
If you need to have a serious conversation with your elderly loved one, it is important to make sure that your loved one is not distracted. The more distracted they are, the more resistant they might be to talking to you. If necessary, you might need to help remove distractions before you start your conversation with your loved one.
Be Positive
Another way that you can help reduce resistance in your elderly loved one is by being positive. Positivity could help to change your loved one’s entire response. They might want to talk more and interact more if you seem happier.
Don’t Worry About the Little Things
There are some things that you and elder care providers will need to get your loved one to do. However, it is important to know that there are other things that you can let go of. For instance, you might need to get your elderly loved one to take a shower. You may not need to make your loved one do the dishes, though. This is something that someone else can get done if your loved one is being resistant.
If your elderly loved one is resistant to doing something, there are some tips here today that could help to reduce their resistance. Use these tips to help your elderly loved one be more cooperative from here on out.
Sources: https://www.kevinmd.com/blog/2020/03/empathy-is-a-crucial-component-when-working-with-older-adults.html
If you or an aging loved-one are considering Elder Care Services in Santa Monica CA, please contact the caring staff at Assisting Hearts Home Care today. Proudly Serving the Los Angeles & Ventura County. Call us 24 hours a day, 7 days a week! (805) 371-0033, (818) 593-0094.
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