Denial & Dementia: Why Waiting Can Lead to Crisis
In this episode of Aging Starts Now, Outreach Coordinator Dana Hentschel sits down with Certified Elder Law Attorney Barbara McGinnis to talk about one of the most difficult—and most overlooked—parts of dementia: denial.
Families often explain away the early signs… the confusion, the personality changes, the small mistakes. But when warning signs are ignored, the consequences can quickly escalate.
Dana and Barbara share the real story of a family who struggled to accept their father’s dementia until it led to a heartbreaking crisis. Together, they break down:
Why denial is such a powerful force
How to recognize when “normal aging” may be something more
The risks of delaying action
What families can do to move toward acceptance and safety
Whether you’re caring for an aging loved one or want to better understand dementia, this is a meaningful and eye-opening conversation you won’t want to miss.
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Denial & Dementia: Why Waiting Can Lead to Crisis
In this episode of Aging Starts Now, Outreach Coordinator Dana Hentschel sits down with Certified Elder Law Attorney Barbara McGinnis to talk about one of the most difficult—and most overlooked—parts of dementia: denial.
Families often explain away the early signs… the confusion, the personality changes, the small mistakes. But when warning signs are ignored, the consequences can quickly escalate.
Dana and Barbara share the real story of a family who struggled to accept their father’s dementia until it led to a heartbreaking crisis. Together, they break down:
Why denial is such a powerful force
How to recognize when “normal aging” may be something more
The risks of delaying action
What families can do to move toward acceptance and safety
Whether you’re caring for an aging loved one or want to better understand dementia, this is a meaningful and eye-opening conversation you won’t want to miss.
Episode 297- When Your Parents Don't Want to Move to An Assisted Living Community
Aging Starts Now
23 minutes 7 seconds
2 weeks ago
Episode 297- When Your Parents Don't Want to Move to An Assisted Living Community
When aging parents say, “I’m fine right here,” or “I don’t need help,” — what do you do next?
In this week’s episode of Aging Starts Now, host Debra King, Elder Care Coordinator and Licensed Clinical Social Worker at Johnson McGinnis Elder Care Law & Estate Planning, dives into one of the toughest family conversations: when loved ones resist the idea of moving to an assisted living community.
Joined by fellow elder care coordinator Pati Bedwell, Debra explores:
💬 Why older adults often resist assisted living
💬 How to start the conversation with empathy — not pressure
💬 The role of neutral professionals in easing tension
💬 Bridge steps families can take before making a big move
💬 Real success stories of families who found peace and balance
Whether you’re just beginning this journey or in the middle of difficult decisions, this episode offers compassionate, practical guidance to help you move forward — together.
Aging Starts Now
Denial & Dementia: Why Waiting Can Lead to Crisis
In this episode of Aging Starts Now, Outreach Coordinator Dana Hentschel sits down with Certified Elder Law Attorney Barbara McGinnis to talk about one of the most difficult—and most overlooked—parts of dementia: denial.
Families often explain away the early signs… the confusion, the personality changes, the small mistakes. But when warning signs are ignored, the consequences can quickly escalate.
Dana and Barbara share the real story of a family who struggled to accept their father’s dementia until it led to a heartbreaking crisis. Together, they break down:
Why denial is such a powerful force
How to recognize when “normal aging” may be something more
The risks of delaying action
What families can do to move toward acceptance and safety
Whether you’re caring for an aging loved one or want to better understand dementia, this is a meaningful and eye-opening conversation you won’t want to miss.
