Care for a Family Member - How to Manage the Impact of Caregiving on Your Relationship

Often, we are the first caregivers for our senior loved ones. It makes sense as children or grandchildren to step up and help the one who provided us care and love when we were younger. While being a caregiver is a wonderful experience and can bring you and your loved one closer together, it can also place a strain on your relationship and your own life. Do you need a Care for a Family Member ? Want to know how to manage the Impact of Caregiving on Your Relationship?

Listen to Your Loved One’s Needs and Preferences when you care for a Family Member

Your loved one has a way they like to do things, whether it’s how they like to cook their food, arrange their pantry, or clean their home. While they appreciate the support and care you offer, if what you’re doing is vastly different from how they do things, they’re likely to be resistant, which can cause tension and arguments. Take time to sit down with your loved ones, discuss their changing needs as they age, and talk about their preferences. Where you can meet their preferences, strive to do so. Where they need to make changes for safety, health, or even yes, ease for you, discuss those needed changes. If your loved one understands why you need to make a change, they’re more likely to be responsive. Most likely, the two of you will be able to make a compromise you’ll both be happy with. 

Communicate Effectively with Your Loved One when you care for a Family Member

We often forget how important communication is with our family because we live with them. They know us so surely, they’ll understand that you’re just frustrated, right? Well, no, they won’t. Poor communication hurts any relationship, especially with those we’re closest to. When you communicate with your senior loved one, consider, 

• Being patient with your loved one and give them time to communicate their thoughts and feelings without interruption
• Avoid raising your voice or using an angry or annoyed tone.
• Don’t avoid difficult subjects but do approach them with tact.
• Don’t have difficult conversations if you’re tired or upset; instead, ask your loved one if you can talk about them later.
• Share negative feelings with a counselor or a trusted friend who will keep your confidence and allow you to safely vent
• When you do need to share negative feelings with your senior loved one, remember to frame statements with “I feel …” so they won’t feel defensive.

Explore Resources and Accept Assistance When You Need It

While you want to care for your loved one, you can’t always do it alone. Reach out to other family members to assist with some of the caregiving needs so that you can see to your own health, life, and well-being. This is especially important if you have a career or children. If you don’t have family, who are able to assist in caregiving, consider respite care from a home care agency in Williamsport. Whether you need help for a couple of hours a day, once or twice a week, or just occasionally to take time for yourself, an agency caregiver can give you the needed assistance and ease pressure on your relationship with your loved one. 

Are You Looking for Caregiver Support in Williamsport, PA?

Contact us today to discuss your loved one’s needs. Whether you are looking for respite care or a permanent caregiver for your loved one, we have multiple options for your family.