Home Health Care in Fairfax VA: Sibling Conflict With Senior Care

Even if you have taken on the role of being their primary caregiver, you may experience tension, disagreements, and other issues that make it more difficult for your parent to get the fullest benefit from their care. By understanding what may cause this conflict, you are better able to resolve it so you can put as much focus and energy as possible on the quality of care your parent receives.

Some things that may cause conflict with your siblings over your parent’s care include:

• Different perspectives on your parent’s needs. You may find your siblings do not see your senior’s needs in the same way. Some may think their needs are much more extensive, while others may think they are mild and your parent should do more on their own. This can cause conflict as to how much care your parent should really be receiving.
• Disagreements over how to handle resistance. If your parent is not receptive to care, or resists certain care efforts, your siblings might disagree on how to handle the resistance. Some might insist on pushing the issue, while others might support leaving your parent to their own devices until they recognize their need for care. The sibling on the “losing” side of this argument might refuse to participate in care.
• One child takes on everything. One particularly difficult source of conflict is if you are the only one of the siblings who is doing anything to care for your parent, or if you are doing the vast majority of the care and your siblings are only contributing occasionally or in token ways. This can leave you feeling overwhelmed and taken advantage of, especially if the parent shows favoritism towards the other siblings.
• Leaving others out of the loop. If you choose to take on all of the responsibilities of caring for your parent and leave your siblings out, this may cause even more conflict. Your siblings could feel left out, or worry that your parent is not getting adequate care because more people are not involved. If you limit access to your parent, it can make the situation even worse.

Taking on the role of being a family caregiver for an elderly parent does not mean the other obligations, responsibilities, and needs of your life disappear.
When you are in this role, you must balance all of these needs, which can leave you feeling stressed and even overwhelmed. If you are facing other issues, such as living at a distance from your parent, dealing with conflict with your siblings, or helping your parent manage extensive needs, you are likely to face even greater stress.

Fortunately, elderly care can help. The services of an elderly home care services provider are completely customizable, meaning you can feel confident your senior is getting exactly what they need to remain safe, healthy, and comfortable while pursuing independence and fulfillment in the ways that are right for them. Not only can this reduce your stress by decreasing the number of tasks you need to handle for your parent, but it can also act to ease tension and conflict over disagreements regarding your senior’s care.

If you or a loved-one are considering Home Health Care in Fairfax, VA, please contact the caring staff at Quality Health Services LLC.  Call today 703-910-7081

Elder Care in Fairfax VA: Rainy Day Activities

#1 Break Out a Board Game

Board games are an excellent way to pass the time. Pull out old classics like Monopoly, checkers, chess, Yahtzee, or Parchisi. Most people know how to play them, so anyone who is with the senior can join in, including their elderly care provider. In addition to busting boredom, research has also indicated that older adults who play games have a 15% less chance of developing dementia.

#2 Crack Open a Good Book

Reading a book is a good way to relax and keep the brain active at the same time. A study conducted at the University of Sussex indicated that reading reduces stress levels by 68 percent. If the senior has trouble reading because of vision problems, an elderly care provider can read to them.

#3 Make Something

Crafts give older adults a creative outlet and keep their fingers busy. Anyone can craft, you just have to find what piques the senior’s interest. Try upcycling household items, such as turning an old container into a decorative vase or coin bank. Elderly care providers can help seniors with crafts by assisting them to gather supplies. They can also do parts of the craft that are difficult for the senior, such as threading a needle or manipulating small pieces.

#4 Watch a Movie

Pop in a good DVD or choose a movie from a streaming service. Then, make a healthy snack and let the older adult sit back and enjoy the show. An elderly care provider can prepare the snack and help set up the movie.

#5 Catch Up with Friends and Family

A rainy day is a good opportunity for the senior to spend some time catching up with the people they love. They can send emails, write letters or cards, or make phone calls. Elderly care providers can help those with low vision by typing or writing for the senior.

If you or a loved-one are considering Elder Care in Fairfax, VA, please contact the caring staff at Quality Health Services LLC.  Call today 703-910-7081.

Sources
Blog.arthritis.org
Ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
telegraph.co.uk