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Season 1 Episode 28 Dementia and Refusing Help
One of the hardest challenges in caregiving is when a loved one with dementia refuses help. You see the risks — missed meals, cluttered spaces, unpaid bills — but every offer is met with “I don’t need help” or “I can do it myself.” It’s frustrating, even heartbreaking. In this episode, Kelly unpacks the reasons behind refusals — from changes in the brain to pride and fear — and explore the most common areas of conflict. Most importantly, you’ll learn practical strategies to shift your approach so that you can reduce conflict, preserve dignity, and find those small but powerful wins in your caregiving journey.
FACEBOOK PAGE: We'd love to hear from you! Message Kelly with any questions or comments.
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61573800764103
RESOURCES:
https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/blog/how-offer-help-someone-dementia-who-doesnt-want-it#:~:text=For%20some%20people%2C%20they%20may,having%20a%20diagnosis%20of%20dementia.
https://www.bridgesbyepoch.com/2025/03/10/resistance-and-refusals-in-a-loved-one/#:~:text=Pride%20and%20dignity:%20Early%20dementia,play%20a%20role%20in%20resistance.
The information shared in this podcast is for EDUCATIONAL AND INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES only, and should not be considered a substitute for medical advice. By listening to this podcast, you agree not to use this podcast as medical advice to treat any medical condition in either yourself or others, This entire disclaimer also applies to any guests or contributors to the podcast. Under no circumstances shall Kelly A. Bertenshaw, any guests or contributors to the podcast, or any employees, associates, or affiliates of A Balancing Act: Helping Families Navigate Memory Loss be responsible for damages arising from the use of this podcast.
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By Kelly A Bertenshaw, MA CCC SLP ECDCSOne of the hardest challenges in caregiving is when a loved one with dementia refuses help. You see the risks — missed meals, cluttered spaces, unpaid bills — but every offer is met with “I don’t need help” or “I can do it myself.” It’s frustrating, even heartbreaking. In this episode, Kelly unpacks the reasons behind refusals — from changes in the brain to pride and fear — and explore the most common areas of conflict. Most importantly, you’ll learn practical strategies to shift your approach so that you can reduce conflict, preserve dignity, and find those small but powerful wins in your caregiving journey.
FACEBOOK PAGE: We'd love to hear from you! Message Kelly with any questions or comments.
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61573800764103
RESOURCES:
https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/blog/how-offer-help-someone-dementia-who-doesnt-want-it#:~:text=For%20some%20people%2C%20they%20may,having%20a%20diagnosis%20of%20dementia.
https://www.bridgesbyepoch.com/2025/03/10/resistance-and-refusals-in-a-loved-one/#:~:text=Pride%20and%20dignity:%20Early%20dementia,play%20a%20role%20in%20resistance.
The information shared in this podcast is for EDUCATIONAL AND INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES only, and should not be considered a substitute for medical advice. By listening to this podcast, you agree not to use this podcast as medical advice to treat any medical condition in either yourself or others, This entire disclaimer also applies to any guests or contributors to the podcast. Under no circumstances shall Kelly A. Bertenshaw, any guests or contributors to the podcast, or any employees, associates, or affiliates of A Balancing Act: Helping Families Navigate Memory Loss be responsible for damages arising from the use of this podcast.