Your other family members could make your job as a caregiver much easier or they can make it more difficult. When they do complicate things, it might be hard for you to believe that they’re not doing it just for spite. Family dynamics are something you might have to examine in more detail.
Prior Relationships and Situations Have a Strong Hold
How things were in the past still impacts the here and now, especially with you, your senior, and other family members. Those old relationships and how those worked out can be really impactful on how your family members deal with what’s happening now. Those reactions may not be what the situation calls for, though, and that’s where conflict rears up.
Changes Often Create Waves
There’s a lot going on, particularly if your senior’s health is fragile. That can bring a variety of new feelings and situations to the forefront that you and your family members have never faced before. These are important to acknowledge because when you add those to the old relationship issues, there’s a lot that gets a shortcut and that isn’t always a good thing.
They May See You as a Competitor
Other family members might be running a race with you that they don’t really think about. In the past, you might have competed for attention from your senior and now that you’re her caregiver, that race might be on again. What you all need to be focused on is how to provide the best care possible for your senior, but that can sometimes take a back seat.
You Can Learn to Trust Each Other
Your other family members need to understand that the decisions you’re making are about doing what you can for your senior. Everything from making sure she sees her doctor to hiring elder care providers is a carefully thought out decision that has a positive impact. You may need to trust that they’re trying to have her best interests at heart too, though. Trusting each other can help you to open up the lines of communication.
The bottom line is that your other family members need to be there for your senior if they can. That might mean that they need to work their way past differences with her and with you. In the end, getting on board with what’s needed can give all of you the peace that you need.
The staff at Home Care Matters is available to talk with you and your family about all of your needs. Home Care Matters is a home care agency providing quality and affordable Home Care in Cumming, GA, and surrounding areas. Call (678) 828-2195 for more information.
Valerie has the unique experience with home care as she has experienced it from both ends of the spectrum, as a caregiver and as needing care herself as a cancer survivor. Valerie says, “Taking care of someone you love is a physically, mentally and demanding labor of love.Taking care of my mom was the hardest thing I have ever done. It has given me an insight and perspective not many people understand unless you are doing it or have done it.I loved taking care of my mom.I love helping others take care of their love ones too.And now that I’ve been sick, it’s given me a whole new level of empathy and understanding for those who are sick and need help.”
Valerie’s schedule varies daily, but she loves visiting with our clients, families, caregivers, our network partners and being in the office.Says Valerie, “Every day is different, but I wake up excited about what we do, inspired by our team, clients and caregivers.I strive to be a resource to the community.I love my team and I love what we do every day. I like to think my mom would be proud.”
You can reach Valerie by email (Valerie@homecarematters.com) or in our office (770.965.4004).
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