"Resistance is a common challenge in caregiving, experienced by both caregivers and care recipients. It often reflects a desire to maintain control and cling to the familiar, especially during times of stress or adversity. Care recipients may resist when they feel their independence is being taken away, while caregivers may feel overwhelmed and uncertain about how to respond. Family caregivers can also resist, especially when there is disagreement about care decisions, leading to conflict and tension."
"Resistance among care recipients who are cognitively intact often stems from a desire to preserve autonomy and dignity. It may show up in various ways: refusing to stop driving, declining to move to a retirement community, rejecting outside help, avoiding medical care, not taking medications appropriately, or not allowing others to manage their finances. Most people fear losing control over their lives. Chronic illness, however, can lead to increasing dependence."
"Family therapists can support autonomy by helping care recipients identify what they can still do and adapt familiar tasks. For instance, a person who enjoys cooking but struggles to stand at the stove might use a tall chair or switch to a crockpot or electric skillet. If driving is no longer safe, suggest ride-share options or hiring a local student to help with transportation."
Resistance commonly appears in caregiving when individuals seek to retain control and familiarity amid illness or stress. Cognitively intact care recipients often resist by refusing to stop driving, decline moves to retirement communities, reject outside help, avoid medical care, improperly take medications, or refuse financial management to preserve autonomy and dignity. Chronic illness increases dependence and can prompt denial or hiding problems to avoid burdening family. Therapists and families can support autonomy by identifying remaining abilities, adapting tasks, offering practical alternatives like seated cooking or ride-share help, and arranging regular visits or trusted check-ins.
Read at Psychology Today
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