Are you having difficulty communicating with your parents? This might be due to the aging process. Aging can be a difficult and frightening process for your elderly parents, especially when it comes to losing their independence. At times, this can lead to stubbornness as they attempt to maintain control over their life. In this article, we will help you to understand the multiple causes of stubbornness in elderly parents and the reason behind their behavior.
Isolation And Refusal to Socialize
Is your parent refusing to step out of the house or attend outings? If your parent is unable to walk or eat by themselves, they might be feeling embarrassed by their inability to be independent like they once were. They might also be uncomfortable of feeling like a burden due to their increasing needs. Refusal to socialize might be a sign of depression, and it is possible that it will worsen as time passes. Be sure to talk to your parents about it candidly and seek professional help if required.
If your parent is more likely to accept professional help from others than from you due to their pride, it might be time to look into home care or senior living options so they can get the care and socialization they need.
Hoarding
Hoarding is a form of compulsion where a person starts to collect items, resulting in clutter around the house. Hoarding can cause fall risks and health hazards. It might be hard to understand why hoarding occurs. Oftentimes, it is a result of dementia or anxiety. If your parents hoard, they might be desperate to hold onto memories or have a strong need for control.
Inappropriate Comments And Language
If your parents are making offensive comments or insults, it might be a result of cognitive decline. Due to cognitive decline, individuals can suffer from personality changes and have difficulty in expressing themselves and their feelings. This causes them to lash out when they are frustrated or in pain. Even without cognitive decline, the pain and suffering from age-related medical conditions can make your parents irritable. Make sure to call out the behavior respectfully and mention you do not like it when they speak to you that way.
However, if your loved one is suffering from dementia, it is likely that they will not be able to recall the things you’ve said to them, resulting in them repeating negative behaviors. Be sure to not take it personally and keep in mind that it’s due to their cognitive decline. If you find it difficult to care for your parents, it might be best to consider retirement communities equipped with the expertise and amenities for caring for individuals with dementia.
Vibrant Retirement Community at Blue Ridge
Blue Ridge is a senior living community that focuses on the well-being of the residents within the community. With well-designed amenities, beautiful homes, engaging recreational programs, health and wellness initiatives, and professional housekeeping teams, our residents are able to enjoy a vibrant and safe space for their retirement. We offer senior assisted living and SHINE® memory care for residents who experience cognitive decline. You can rest assured that your loved ones will be able to experience the highest quality of care and living when they stay with us.
