My Loved One is Refusing Care

April 5, 2017

The friend or family member you’re caring for may resist having a beneficial medical procedure, taking prescribed medications or hiring in-home help. If you are convinced that the disputed care is in your loved one’s best interest, certain approaches can help them see your point of view. It might help, for example, to include their physician in the discussion; or if the issue has become a power struggle between you and your loved one, it might be best to step aside completely.

Quick Tips:

  • Plan a good time for discussion. You’ll want to bring the subject up when you are both feeling good and relaxed. Anything that can help everyone involved remain calm will be helpful.
  • Focus on the positives. Point out that the care will make your job as a caregiver easier (if that’s the case). If they are resistant to hiring in-home help, you might stress that the assistance will allow them to live at home safely and longer. Include them in the interview process if possible.
  • Don’t force it. If your loved one is healthy enough to make their own decisions, they have the right to refuse care. If they’re not cognitively able to do so and you have power of attorney, however, you are legally responsible for deciding what’s in their best interest

Questions You Can Ask Your Doctor

April 5, 2017
Today, patients take an active role in their health care. You and your doctor will work in partnership to achieve your best possible level of health. An important part of this relationship is good communication. Here are some questions you can ask your doctor to get your discussion started:

How to Give Your Caregiver Constructive Feedback

October 18, 2016
Giving and receiving honest feedback is essential to grow and develop, and to build successful caregiving situations. So why is it that many of us put off giving feedback to those working with us? Maybe it’s because there are so many ways to mess it up.
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