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Knowledgeable Aging

Resources for the Aging Population

Why Do People With Dementia Say No (and how to turn a no into a yes)

When offering care for an individual with Alzheimer’s or a related form of dementia, there is often refusal to best intended care. Saying no to a shower, changing  clothes, having food, taking medication can be a frustrating yet common reality. Learn what causes the negative response and how to turn it into a positive.

Listen to the Podcast

  • 1:32 – My personal experience
  • 5:04 – Why do people instinctually say no
  • 5:24 – What is executive functioning
  • 9:57 – Why resistance differs from person to person
  • 14:52 – How to turn a no into a yes
  • 20:09 – Let them feel involved and engaged (ask them to help you)
  • 24:21 – Non-verbal vs verbal
  • 26:40 – Questions
Vivian Green Korner

My clinical experience is extensive, including hospital, residential, and community based setting. I earned an MA degree from New York University, am a Certified Dementia Care Practitioner, and held the position of Director of the Kaplen Adult Reach Center at the Tenafly JCC for 17 years, including an affiliation with the Alzheimer’s Association for more than 15 years as a facilitator of caregiver support groups.   I train home health professionals to render effective dementia care in the home, rehabilitation centers, and residential facilities and offer guidance and support to family caregivers to enable a higher quality of life for adults with dementia.

As an advocate for the dementia community, I create and coordinate town based Alzheimer’s Awareness Symposiums to raise awareness and offer caregivers needed information, guidance and community resources. I also offer dementia educational presentations. For more information, click Services Provided tab. My knowledge and guidance has helped hundreds of caregivers to provide appropriate, competent, and sensitive care to avoid burnout.

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