As an aging industry professional it’s important to know who you’re talking to. Because when it comes to senior care, you’re almost always speaking to more than one person.
Yes, you’re speaking to your client. At the same time, you’re speaking to their spouse, their adult children, close by or far away—each contributing to the unique family dynamics involved. People often with the best intentions who may disagree about what’s best.
Navigating what can be complex family dynamics during a stressful time takes patience and understanding how different family member are seeing and reacting to the same situation.
As an aging industry professional, knowing who you’re talking to can make all the difference.
Understanding the challenges
Senior/Elder care presents a variety of challenges-physical, emotional and financial. Appreciating how everyone is reacting to these challenges can help you provide the best care for your client.
Physical Challenges
Aging parents and loved ones can be facing a variety of health issues. Arthritis, dementia, cardio vascular conditions, decreased mobility. Conditions that are difficult for your client to face and may require a level of care and attention that is overwhelming to the average family member.
Emotional Challenges
As loved ones age they may be feeling lonely, depressed or anxious. Especially when faced with the loss of a spouse, sibling, or close friend. These emotions can be difficult for family member to contend. At the same time family members themselves may be experience a lot of emotional stress as they take on the role of parent to their parents, while grieving for the loss of a parent as they once were. As an aging industry professional, the more you know about who you’re talking to, the more successful you’ll be.
Financial Challenges
Senior care can be expensive whether it’s bring in caregivers, making changes to the home or seeking out alternative senior living options. Families often struggle to handle and balance these costs with all of their other financial obligations. Perhaps you’ve heard the term sandwich generation which describles people who are caring for both their children and their parents.
Suggestions for managing the family dynamics
Communication
Frequent and open communication is key to managing family dynamics. Try putting together a group text so everyone gets all the information at the same time. Efficiency and transparency puts people at ease. It also says you respect everyone in the family equally.
Simplification
Not everyone has experience in caring for seniors. There will be a lot of questions. Keep your answers short and to the point. Meet them where they are now and try to avoid looking too far down the road. Avoid jargon when you can. It also helps to have some resources handy (websites and printed materials you trust) that you can share with your client and family.
Clarification
It’s important to clarify everyone’s roles and responsibilities. No two families are a like. Some may have a natural leader who takes on most of the responsibilities. Others may divide and conquer. Knowing who does what helps keep thing simple.
Keep the focus on the senior who needs care.
While dynamics may get complicated your goal is simple. Provide the best possible care for your client. Keeping that top of mind for everyone is key to keeping the focus on what’s important.
Ask for help.
Sometimes family dynamics can become too complex to manage. In that case, reach out to a family therapist or social worker may help your family navigate their emotions and find the best way forward.
The American Society on Aging has produced a webinar on this topic, offering one free CE credit. It is available on demand through 10/6. Click here for more information:
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