How to Help Someone Who Doesn’t Want Help with Dementia

If you’re caring for someone with dementia who refuses help, you’re not alone. Many families struggle to bring in support when a loved one doesn’t recognize their diagnosis, denies their symptoms, or insists they can manage on their own. It’s a delicate situation, and a deeply emotional one.

At Lizzy Care, we speak with caregivers every day who are doing everything they can, but still hitting walls when it comes to getting their loved one to accept outside support. With the new Medicare GUIDE program families now have access to free dementia care navigation, which makes this an ideal time to take that first step, but what happens when your loved one says no?

Here are a few conversation starters that can change the dynamic:

1. Start with how you feel.

Sometimes the best way to approach the conversation is to talk about your needs. If your loved one resists help for themselves, they may still be open to helping you. Try: “I’m having a hard time keeping up and I could really use some support” or “It would give me peace of mind to have someone else to check in with us.”

2. Focus on practical support.

Rather than introducing “dementia care,” frame it around something more concrete: help with errands, a ride to appointments, or a friendly companion. At Lizzy Care, our team knows how to build trust gradually, often starting with what feels like simple support and expanding into more active care over time.

3. Emphasize their comfort and dignity.

People with dementia often fear losing independence. Make it clear that help is about maintaining dignity, not taking it away. Let them know you want to preserve the routines and comforts that matter to them.

4. Let someone else do the talking.

Sometimes, your loved one may respond better to a third party. A Lizzy Care navigator can help families find the right words and strategies to introduce support in a way that feels safe and respectful. We’ve helped hundreds of families have this conversation; you don’t have to do it alone.

5. Keep the door open.

Even if your loved one says no the first time, don’t give up. Leave space to revisit the conversation and allow them to feel some control. You might say: “Let’s just try it once and see how it feels.” That single try often turns into a lasting source of relief.

You are not alone.

Dementia is hard. Asking for help is hard. Accepting help can be even harder. That’s why Lizzy Care is here to walk with you every step of the way. Whether your loved one is newly diagnosed or far along in their journey, our navigators can support you in finding the right moment, message, and method to bring in care.

Get in touch with Lizzy Care today to talk to a navigator. We’ll help you come up with a personalized approach and access services that are now completely covered under Medicare. It’s a new day for dementia care and you don’t have to do this alone.

Fill out the form below to talk to someone about Lizzy Care’s services or visit https://hilizzy.com/guide/check/ to see if your family is eligible for free support through Medicare.