Comments on: When Elderly Parents Refuse Help

By: Kory Megis

Kory Megis — Tue, 11 May 2010 22:07:40 +0000

I think that getting in contact with the Alzheimer’s association would benefit her even though it doesn’t sound like she has Alzheimer’s but, they have programs that the daughter can participate in for free to help her communicate her concerns and receive suggestions from people with experience with communication barriers.
If you call Kathy Welsh @ 775-786-8061, i am almost certain she will be able to assist you in any way she can and I’m sure she has some very good resources for you.
Kory Megis

By: jane corey

jane corey — Tue, 11 May 2010 21:20:12 +0000

My suggestion would be to either set aside a specific time where the daughter could be available to accompany her to the bath or hire a female caregiver to come in specifically to assist with a bath.
The daughter needs to assure her mother that it is solely for her safety
that she not bath without assistance and someone’s help.

By: M K Howland

M K Howland — Tue, 06 Apr 2010 16:22:51 +0000

My Mom is 96 yrs old. She has Progressive Bulbar Palsy which makes it
impossible for her to talk. Communication is through a dry erase board. Up until a year ago she has been very independent. 95 going on 75! She is still very on top of it…Reads the paper every day, irons, folds clothes, loads and unloads dishwasher, etc., etc. This is her choice. I have recently told her…No more baths. I removed the plug so she wouldn’t take one while I was at work. (My husband stays with her, but he respects her privacy.) She is still upset about it and says I am cruel. I can’t make her understand that I love her and only care about her safety. Last night she wrote a note that said, “Please, watch me. I can do it.” with a little heart drawn next to it. The ensuing conversation with her lasted almost an hour, since we communicate back and forth by writing. What is the best approach to get through to her? Do you know of any article that might help me get through to her? Her cognitive abilities are still pretty much in tack. Although, her thoughts don’t always translate well to paper. Thank you so much for any help or reference you might refer me to. MK Howland