Refusal of care
People in need of care can refuse care and assistance for various reasons. The initial situation is often difficult for relatives, carers and the person in need of care: even in old age, many people want to continue to live in their familiar surroundings and not go to a nursing home. They want support from relatives and reject outside help. Some people in need of care refuse care or even complete care. Violent or aggressive behavior may also occur.
Reasons for refusing care
In the beginning it can be particularly difficult for those affected. Suddenly they are dependent on support and care. The situation is particularly difficult with slowly progressive illnesses, dementia and chronic illnesses. It is not always immediately clear to both relatives and specialists when support and care is necessary.
When people in need of care refuse care, they react with rejection or resistance. Often there are also feelings such as aggression or anger.
What can lead to denial of care?
- Loss of independence can lead to refusal of care for many.
- Those affected may also fear loss of privacy.
- Financial worries due to the costs incurred are stressful.
- Many are convinced that they can continue to cope well on their own.
- People in need of care sometimes underestimate the support they need.
- Those affected are often not aware of how much support their relatives already provide.
- Many people refuse care due to mistrust of strangers or insecurity.
Legal information about refusal of care
In Austria, the law does not specifically regulate who is obliged to care for relatives. The legislature only speaks of a duty of assistance and the requirement of respect between parents and children, grandparents and grandchildren. Caring relatives should continue to organize care even during their absence, such as on vacation.
At the same time, people in need of care do not have to tolerate someone looking after them. Your self-determination and personal rights must be respected.
Recommendations for Action: What Can You Do About Refusal of Care?
- Address the topic early: Address the topic of care early on. Ask the person concerned: What can he or she imagine, what are the worries and fears regarding the topic of care?
- Inform and educate: What options are there in care? At what times or on what days is support needed? What are the advantages and disadvantages of 24-hour care versus a nursing home? What costs will arise? Relatives can help here by gathering information.
- Ask open-ended questions: Ask patiently and repeatedly what problems or fears the person concerned has. In some illnesses, such as dementia, the affected person has difficulty processing information. That's why you should address the topic of care carefully and several times.
- Show empathy: Take the other person's point of view in the conversation. Put yourself in her or his shoes to understand how he or she is feeling.
- Approach the topic step by step: The person in need of care should be able to familiarize themselves with the situation thematically or locally. It is therefore important that he or she can get to know the carers and exchange ideas with them.
- Accept the desire for self-determination: Sometimes it can be dangerous not to accept help. Nevertheless, the person in need of care should decide for themselves where and how they need help. She should be able to take care of personal hygiene and household tasks herself as much as possible.
- Accept boundaries: Find out where the negative attitude persists. Accept that a certain level of rejection may remain - this is the right of the person in need of care.
If you are overwhelmed as a carer, get help in good time if you cannot cope with a task. This can help defuse personal conflicts and reduce stress.
The interest group of caring relatives advocates for the interests of relatives. For more information click on the following link:
Last update: July 13, 2026
Was this helpful?
Use the buttons below to leave feedback. You may provide additional details in a second step.