Understanding Roles Reduces Conflict in Caregiving Families

 Caring for older family members is a family affair. Every member of the family is like a member of a team. And while it may seem to many that they are in it alone, everybody has a role to play in keeping your loved one safe, secure and independent.
These roles often are unfamiliar, misunderstood, or simply underappreciated. The first big change is the transition from being a child to being a caregiver. We all experience that to one degree or another, but within the family, each member of the caring team has a specific role to play. Misunderstanding these roles can lead to conflict in the family that is counterproductive to caring for the aging parent. Although the roles vary depending on the specific situation, there are certain characteristics that are common to many families.
The Planner is the person mom or dad counts on to take care of the long-term tasks like wills, powers of attorney and insurance policies. This person may not be the same person as the Doer, who is member of the family who handles the day-to-day errands or helps with household chores.
The family team also needs what Home Helpers calls a Camp Director. There are always multiple things to do a several moving parts. Somebody needs to make sure everything is covered no matter who’s doing it and that you’re not duplicating efforts.
Communicating is where most families run into problems. It’s important to keep those lines open so that each member’s needs and efforts are appreciated. It’s amazing how much trouble can be avoided with a little communication upfront.
Coaching families through their changing roles is just one of the roles that Home Helpers caregivers play. In addition to the Planner, Doer and Camp Director, it discusses the roles and perspectives of the Dreamer and the Rescuer. Home Helpers of Santa Clarita takes pride in making life easier for families.
For more information or to request a free in-home care assessment, contact Jimmy Morrison, owner, via email: Jmorrison@homehelpershomecare.com or call 661-202-6305.