How to Talk with Aging Parents Who Won’t Receive Help Graciously

How do you care for a parent who doesn’t want your care? This heartfelt and deeply practical conversation with Dr. Barry Jacobs, a clinical psychologist and national caregiving expert, dives into one of the most common and painful challenges families face: resistance. Whether you’re already a caregiver or preparing for that role, this episode offers validation, expert advice, and hope.

Listen Now:

What you’ll learn in this episode

• Why many aging parents resist help, and how fear of lost identity plays a role
• How to open the conversation gently and build trust over time
• Ways to preserve dignity while planning for future care needs
• The importance of starting small with services to ease the transition
• How to navigate sibling dynamics and avoid caregiver burnout by caring for yourself too

Additional resources:

• Dr. Barry Jacobs
• Dr. Jacobs’ website 
• The AARP Caregiver Answer Book 
• AARP Caregiver Resources
• ComForCare blog: Why Aging in Place is So Important for Seniors

Featured Guest

Dr. Barry Jacobs is a clinical psychologist, family therapist, and national caregiving expert with over 30 years of experience supporting families. He is the co-author of the AARP Caregiver Answer Book, a comprehensive guide to navigating caregiving with compassion and clarity. Dr. Jacobs is also a columnist for AARP.com and a frequent speaker and consultant on the emotional challenges of caregiving.

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Like what you heard? Subscribe to ComForConnections on your favorite podcast platform, and explore more caregiver resources from ComForCare.

About the Host

Tiffany Robinson is a passionate advocate for caregiver education. As the host of ComForConnections, she brings warmth, insight, and a deep understanding of the caregiving experience to every episode.