Many individuals caring for ageing parents encounter difficulties because their relatives are unwilling to accept external help, even when it is needed. This presents a challenge for those aiming to reform the care system.
Experiences shared by family carers indicate that elderly people, especially those with dementia, often refuse social care. This reluctance can lead to years of struggle for family members trying to secure support.
A study published in the Journal of Nursing Management in 2007 found that "frail older people" attributed their unwillingness to accept care to a fear of losing independence, as well as feelings of humiliation and embarrassment. Cultural and religious factors can also play a role, with some communities preferring care to remain within the family.
While thousands are reportedly desperate for adult social care, with at least 400,000 people on waiting lists in England, the issue of refusal among those who need it remains. Some evidence suggests that improving social care quality could increase its acceptance, as older adults in countries with higher national expenditure on old age support showed a stronger preference for formal care.