Introducing Support When Someone is Resistant: A Fresh Approach

It’s common for people to feel hesitant about accepting support. Most of us don’t want to feel like a burden, and prefer to maintain independence rather than have a stranger in the home.

At Thrive Homecare, we understand these concerns, and our approach is all about making support feel natural, empowering, and even enjoyable. Our Co-founder, Chris Gage, and Wellbeing Specialist, Alise Kirtley, recently shared their thoughts on how to introduce support for someone who may be resistant.

A neutral environment like a café for that first meeting, can help people feel more comfortable and open to the idea of support. These settings remove the pressure of having someone in their home and make the introduction feel relaxed and natural.

One of the key strategies we use is introducing a Health & Wellbeing Associate—not a “carer,” a term that carries many connotations. Instead, we present our Associates as companions or personal assistants who are there to make life easier and more enjoyable.

Sometimes, we frame support in a practical way: “Why should you have to do all these tasks when you’re retired? Let someone else take care of them so you can enjoy your time.” Other times, we reframe the dynamic entirely, turning it into a mentoring or teaching opportunity, where the person receiving support becomes the guide or helper to the Associate.

If you’re curious about how this works in practice, watch Chris and Alise talk through examples and share tips on introducing support in ways that feel respectful, empowering, and aligned with the person’s dignity and independence.