Client Stories - Resistance to Care


“(My Mother's) declining years were significantly better thanks to the efforts and high quality talents of Eldercare Services.”
Victor, client’s son

Rose is an 80-year-old woman who lives alone. Her adult child, Steve, lives in the area and is concerned at her reluctance to accept help. Rose sits in her den with three weeks of newspapers on the couch. The television is on, but the sound doesn't work. Three tea-stained cups are scattered around the room. When asked if she's had lunch, she says, 'yes' . . . but a walk through the kitchen reveals no recent dirty dishes or food-related trash. Her clothes are soiled and her hair is not shampooed. She walks without difficulty, but repeats the same story about her husband three times (she says he's at work). The first time she tells it, the story makes sense and you're not sure if it's real. She says, loudly and clearly, that every one of "those people" who came to help had to be fired.

An Eldercare Services’ Care Manager visited Rose, talking with and listening to her. The Care Manager assessed the situation and then talked with Rose’s son who said that the previous care provider had recommended a nursing home. The Care Manager understood why Rose was resisting care and believed the most important first step was to establish a basis of trust. A caregiver, who was mentored in the “Eldercare Services Way” by the Professional Geriatric Care Manager, was hired to help Rose by following the Care Manager’s customized care plan. Building trust and raising Rose's comfort level allowed the caregiver little by little to provide more care and services.

Within 6 months, the caregiver was working 6 to 8 hours a day, providing a safe, clean environment and helping with her personal care. Rose was able to continue to live at home. Her son was satisfied that she was getting the care she needed. Steve was finally able to enjoy his visits with his mom without the worries.