Navigating Family Conflicts While Caring for Aging Parents

Providing care for aging parents can be an emotional and challenging experience. When siblings, spouses or other family members get involved, it can become even more complicated. As conversations escalate over how to best care for your parents, it’s essential to remind yourself, no matter what, each of you has their best interests at heart.

Call a Family Meeting

A family meeting is one of the most effective ways for multiple family members to communicate. Proactive discussion can be beneficial as the family has ample time to research and come to a decision everyone is comfortable with. The point of the gathering is to outline various care options and define each family member’s specific role and responsibility.

Bring in a Third Party

When an agreement as a family seems difficult, consider hiring a professional counselor or family therapist who specializes in these situations. It can also mitigate strain or tension among siblings.

Reexamine Family Roles

Labels placed on you when you were children, such as “troublemaker, bossy or caring,” can last through to adulthood and can become especially problematic when discussing care for your aging parents. Adult children need to set aside any childhood roles and labels they may have been given and come together to help the family unit.

Put Your Parents’ Needs Before Your Own

When navigating care options for your parents, it’s essential to separate your parents’ needs from your own. Set aside sibling differences and come together as a cohesive family unit to do what’s best for your parents. Ultimately, by ensuring your parents are safe, happy and properly taken care of, this can ease tension among family members.

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