The hidden risks of denial in caregiving: When a loved one’s decline is hard to accept

(Aging Untold) — When a loved one starts to need extra support, admitting how much has changed is one of the hardest hurdles families face. Denial can step in naturally to protect us from overwhelming grief, but avoiding reality for too long can risk caregiver burnout and compromise care. Recognizing where you and your loved ones stand emotionally is the first step toward navigating the aging journey with clarity and compassion. The hidden purpose of denial “I think denial gets a bad rap,” Amy O’Rourke, an aging expert, said. “Denial is a really healthy stage of grief. It’s a shock absorber. It allows the body to kind of catch up and process what’s going on. You can’t let this situation take you all over. And I don’t think people realize that you go in and out of it.” O’Rourke recalled visiting a client whose husband was actively dying. When she arrived, the wife put the conversation on hold. “She just stopped me and said, ‘You know, we’re having dinner right now, and we’re enjoying ea