People of all ages can find asking for help difficult. They may be reluctant to speak to family members, friends, or even a support worker or personal assistant. Elderly folk especially struggle here. It can be because of lost independence, pride, worries about being a burden, or not knowing they need support.

In many instances, older people living alone might need emotional or physical aid. If family members aren’t capable of regularly offering the support, expert home carers will be. What we want to do is go over the reasons elders avoid asking for help and the problems this leads to.

Awareness or denial

The first reason is a lack of awareness or denial. Asking for aid can be troublesome when a person doesn’t recognise they need it in the first place. Some might not want to face the facts of their new circumstances. Others downplay their demands to convince themselves they don’t need help.

Losing independence

Another reason is a fear of losing independence. If they accept help, some seniors might believe they are losing control of their lives. Some could cling to the idea of not wanting or needing help. However, it can influence their safety and health.

A burden

Having to rely on others can lead to older people feeling like a burden. The concept of relying on family, friends, or a personal assistant or support worker can feel embarrassing. So, they might refuse to ask for help.

Generational and cultural reasons

Elderly people might have grown up in a time that valued self-reliance. Asking for help to them can seem like a weakness.

Consequences

As for the consequences of avoiding asking for help, they can be severe. For instance, it can lead to declining mental health. By failing to ask for support, older people can find themselves facing problems alone. This leads to isolation and loneliness.

Another issue is increased safety risks. Without the right physical support, elders can find themselves more in danger of falls and similar accidents.

Physical health can also deteriorate. If older people miss medical appointments, don’t eat well, or skip medications, they can make things worse.

Finally, it can strain relationships. Family and friends will likely be frustrated when they finally find out what is going on. It won’t be nice for any side.

Find a great personal assistant

At Diamond Care and Support, we help people with a huge array of needs. Our team have experience offering support for health problems and disabilities. So, whatever it is you need aid with, we have the right resources for you.

Feel free to contact us if you want a personal assistant or need any kind of help. We’re supportive at all times, and also make sure we help people retain their independence.