When a loved one refuses treatment: What families need to know

(Aging Untold) — When an aging parent or loved one says no to medical treatment, it can feel alarming — but that decision is often rooted in something deeper than it first appears. The Aging Untold hosts break down what’s really driving these moments and how families can respond with patience instead of panic. “Slow down and listen” When a loved one refuses care, the instinct for many families is to push back immediately. Amy O’Rourke, an aging expert, says that reaction can make things worse. “I think the first thing I would advise is to slow down. Take a deep breath and listen. Listen really carefully,” O’Rourke said. “What are they afraid of? What are they trying to avoid? What are they fighting for? Where are they emotionally? And then start there.” O’Rourke cautioned against rushing toward a predetermined outcome. “Don’t be quick to cut them off. Try to get a certain outcome in place. Just slow everything down,” she said. She described working with a family where tensions boiled o