{"id":5619,"date":"2023-05-01T08:00:35","date_gmt":"2023-05-01T12:00:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/assistinghands.com\/125\/?p=5619"},"modified":"2024-06-27T17:06:29","modified_gmt":"2024-06-27T21:06:29","slug":"advice-for-navigating-difficult-family-dynamics-as-a-caregiver-in-lexington","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/assistinghands.com\/68\/bostonnw\/massachusetts\/blog\/advice-for-navigating-difficult-family-dynamics-as-a-caregiver-in-lexington\/","title":{"rendered":"Advice for Navigating Difficult Family Dynamics as a Caregiver"},"content":{"rendered":"

Although it\u2019s highly gratifying, being a professional caregiver in a market like Lexington, Massachusetts can also be frustrating when dealing with family caregiver<\/a>\u00a0dynamics. Depending on the day, you may be asked to serve as a peacemaker when old childhood rivalries resurface and discussions between family members get heated.<\/p>\n

If you\u2019re not careful, being ill-equipped to manage situations like these can interfere with your ability to provide your client with the care they \u2013 and their family \u2013 deserve. What follows are several ways to successfully navigate the family caregiver landscape and earn each member\u2019s trust to continue honoring your client\u2019s wishes.<\/p>\n

Family Caregivers Have Different Personalities<\/h2>\n

Whether you work at a hospital in Lexington, MA, a nursing home in Bedford, or a private residence in Acton, MA, the family caregivers you interact with will have different personalities, goals, and opinions.<\/p>\n

Using siblings as an example,\u00a0childhood roles<\/a>\u00a0often reemerge when faced with a difficult situation like caring for an elderly parent, sibling, or grandparent. Being a professional caregiver requires identifying the different personality types that fall under the family caregiver dynamics umbrella.<\/p>\n

That said, here are some of the more common family caregiver personalities you\u2019ll be forced to deal with:<\/p>\n

The Armchair Quarterback<\/h3>\n

This person always has it all figured out. If you don\u2019t think so, just ask them. But for one reason or another, they never seem to be around when you are feeding their loved ones or taking them to the doctor. But when it comes time to pay the home care bill, they are the first ones to complain about something and threaten to contact your supervisor.<\/p>\n

The Sponge<\/h3>\n

That financial tap that their parents turned on during childhood is still flowing years later. In the event loved ones stop paying out, sponges seek other \u2013 and sometimes fraudulent \u2013 ways to get what they want. In addition to reporting the situation to your supervisor, protecting your client from a dishonest adult child may require you to involve other family caregivers in the discussion.<\/p>\n

The Deadbeat<\/h3>\n

This loveable slacker shows up at the most opportune times \u2013 like Holiday gatherings and birthday parties \u2013 and watches TV while you prepare food for their loved one and clean up. But when you ask them to install grab bars in their parent\u2019s bathroom to create a safer environment, they come up with an excuse and leave.<\/p>\n

The Super Hero<\/h3>\n

Usually the eldest daughter, this unique person is highly efficient, selfless, and someone who can be counted on to bring their loved one a hot, nutritious meal even during a blizzard or hurricane. However, the \u201cSuperhero\u201d family caregiver can also be the most outspoken and opinionated when there\u2019s something on their mind.<\/p>\n

Rather than painting all family members with a broad brush, a failure to recognize and address these individual personality types could ultimately place the health and well-being of your care recipient at risk.<\/p>\n

How to Manage Family Dynamics\u00a0as\u00a0a Caregiver<\/h2>\n

Using in-home caregiving as an illustration, efficiently managing family dynamics as a caregiver will make your job easier in the end. Once you\u2019ve identified the personalities and roles of each family caregiver, it\u2019ll be time to get everyone on the same page.<\/p>\n

Here are some family dynamic management tips that every professional home caregiver should know:<\/p>\n

Hold a family meeting<\/h3>\n

Siblings and other relatives sometimes just assume that everything is fine, while other times they\u2019re too busy with their own lives. Even if it\u2019s done from a distance via video chat, hold a family meeting with all informal caregivers. During the conversation, update everybody about their loved one\u2019s mental, physical, and emotional health, including any\u00a0functional limitations<\/a>\u00a0they may have.<\/p>\n

Honestly share why you value their opinions and try to recruit members to join your client\u2019s caregiving team based on each one\u2019s skills, interest level, and availability. Be sure to thank everyone for participating, and don\u2019t get discouraged if some refuse to help.<\/p>\n

Delegate team responsibilities<\/h3>\n

There will be times when you cannot be in your client\u2019s home. Depending on their ability to perform\u00a0activities of daily living<\/a>\u00a0(ADLs), they may need assistance when you\u2019re not there \u2013 for instance with meal preparation, feeding, bathing, toileting, or getting ready for bed.<\/p>\n

Using each team member\u2019s time and talents as a guide, create a\u00a0digital caregiving calendar<\/a>\u00a0that you can then share with the group. As your client\u2019s condition gradually declines, you may need to add new responsibilities or recruit additional care team members. This may also be the perfect opportunity to mention specialized services your agency offers, such as dementia care, Alzheimer\u2019s care, 24-hour care, or live-in care.<\/p>\n

Have a backup plan<\/h3>\n

Much like informal caregivers, professional caregivers eventually need to take time off. In those instances, be sure that the family has a backup plan that addresses all their loved one\u2019s care needs until you return.<\/p>\n

Based on your most recent care assessment, recommend other caregivers from your agency that could step in and provide the level of care your client needs. When doing so, be sure to consider whether their personalities would also mesh well with your client and their family members.<\/p>\n

If enough family members are not available, additional eldercare resources you may want to recommend include:<\/p>\n