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The Importance of Communication in Handling Conflicts Over Caregiving of a Loved One

Taking care of an elderly loved one can be a difficult task. The many decisions that need to be made regarding medical, financial and social needs can complicate the process even further. Should the person be driving? Should the person be left alone in his/her house? Should the person still be in charge of his/her checkbook and paying of their bills? Should the person be in an Assisted Living Facility (ALF)? Should the person be in a Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF)? Should the person have care givers come to the house? How many hours a day does the loved need care givers in their home? How many days of the week does the loved ones need a care giver to come to the house? Additionally, having multiple adult family members trying to work together to coordinate care for the loved one can cause conflict. In this situation, communication is key.

Whether the family members have differing views on what type of care is needed for the loved one care, or family members are fighting over who will be the decision maker for the loved one, or who will handle the loved one’s finances, communication is vital to the well-being of the loved one.

Below are a few things that can be done to ensure proper communication between family members:

• Have a family meeting to discuss everyone’s view point
• Give all family members a chance to voice their opinions
• Discuss the practicalities of each option suggested
• Discuss the pros and cons of each option suggested
• List all the possible support or assistance the loved one may need such as fixing meals, bathing, financial planning, grocery shopping, transportation to and from doctors’ appointments, etc.
• Reach out to help in your community because this is a difficult process. It is normal to need help and feel overwhelmed by the situation.
• Have a positive attitude
• Join a support group
• Stay focused on the needs of the loved one

With open and honest communication, additional stress and conflicts can be reduced. This will   ease the process of caregiving for an elderly loved one. There is not one solution or resolution process that works best for everyone. Together, every family should determine which what works best for them to ensure that the loved one is properly cared for and supervised.

If you have any questions, or would like to further discuss this, or other Guardianship or Probate Administration matters, please contact Ann Marie Gilden, Esquire of Ann Marie Giordano Gilden, P.A. at (407) 732-7620 to set up an initial consultation. You may also visit my website at https://www.AnnMarieGildenLaw.com.

This information is provided only as educational materials, and does not constitute the providing of legal advice, and does not create any attorney client relationship.