- Keep a daily routine.
- Don't ask "Do you want to... bathe, brush your teeth or get dressed?" unless "no" is an okay answer for you. Tell him/her it is time for the care activity.
- Have all supplies ready before you start an activity.
- Explain to him/her, in simple terms what you will be doing.
- Make sure him/her refusal is not because they are afraid or do not understand what you are aking them to do.
- If he/she begins to fight you, step away. Try again later.
As a retired geriatric nurse, I think these are some good tips. People are always wanting to know what to do if they refuse care. Also remember the absolute 10. You know sometimes you just have to ask yourself, is trying to get them to understand life threatening/alternating or not. If not then why upset yourself and them. If they say a wrong word or thing and it really doesn't make any difference let it go, don't correct them. If the get a date wrong as I have done with my kids birthday, unless it really matters in what you are talking about don't correct them. If it doesn't matter or going to make a difference then if I am not corrected probably I won't have to chance to feel bad because I got it wrong if I don't know I did it. Well that is my tidbit and opinion for today. Remember live everyday like it is your last, we are not promised tomorrow.
