Elderly parents are faced with many difficult decisions during their lifetime. When it comes to care, they can be faced with the decision of whether or not to stay in their own home and refuse care, or move into a nursing home where they will receive help. The UK has an aging population, so this is a question that plenty of people have been asking themselves lately.
In this article, we will explore what options the UK offers for elderly care and how you can make sure your parent is getting everything he/she needs!
Key Points:
– There are many options for care in the UK. Elderly parents should speak with their doctor or a social worker to learn about how they can receive help that is tailored to them!
– There are also several services available such as home care and district nursing which provide support on an ongoing basis. These services allow elderly family members to stay at home, rather than moving into assisted living facilities or nursing homes.
– If your parent has refused needed medical care previously, you may want to contact the council or your GP/doctor because it might be illegal not do so under certain circumstances. You will need permission from either one of the following people before continuing without their consent: someone who lives with your dad/mom, his/her next of kin.
This article was written to help carers when their elderly parents refuse needed care. First, it’s important that you do not see this refusal as a challenge or an attack on your authority because in most cases the parent is simply scared and needs reassurance they won’t be abandoned if they have no choice but to leave home. It may also reflect the idea of being imprisoned by dementia which can cause confusion over what’s happening around them (elderly people who suffer from Alzheimer’s disease are particularly vulnerable).
To avoid any feelings of abandonment or rejection, try responding with compassion instead: “I know how difficult it must feel for you right now but I promise we’ll find ways to make sure everything will work out.”
Elderly parents that refuse the needed care can be problematic and cause a lot of undue stress as they approach their twilight years. The individual has to take the steps necessary to make sure that they are doing what is best for their parent in the long-run and not just reacting out of a sudden emotional response.
Maybe have a talk with the elderly parent about how is is best for their and your health to seek care or they may need to prepare for the possibility of a nursing home or other care facility in the future.
The elderly parent’s health and well-being should be priority over anything else (even if there is some tension between you) so these conversations are important.
As long as they are living at home, try looking into ways to help them maintain their independence by installing walkers or ramps, considering window treatments that make it easier for them to get around without too much light coming through during daytime hours, etcetera.
Then when it comes time where this becomes an issue, have a conversation about what type of care might work best based on their needs instead of just making assumptions because every situation will differ from person to person.
