Conflict & Family Caregivers What You Need to Know

Posted on

Oct 09, 2018

Share This
Conflict is a normal, natural part of everyones life. Factors that can exacerbate conflict include the well-known things to avoid in polite conversation: religion, politics and money. For families, these big three topics quickly trigger emotions that can be difficult to defuse and when things go awry the aftermath can be felt for decades.
According to a May 2018 AARP article Millennials: The Emerging Generation of Family Caregivers, there are 40 million family caregivers in the United States, a quarter of which are millennials. Millennials are loosely defined, but typically considered to be those born between the years 1980-1996. This means that 1 in 4 of the family caregivers are between the ages of 18-38; the same population that according to the Pew Research Center , made up 82% of US births in 2016. This sandwich generation is in charge of a maintaining a fine balance of taking care of their parents, their children and themselves.
One woman in her early 30s called our office a few months ago sharing with us that her and her husband have their two children living with them along with both of her parents and it was becoming just too much to handle. She wanted to set-up a mediation with her brothers and parents (one of which has Alzheimers) to work out a better arrangement. Two of our trained mediators took on the case and starting their job of being neutral, confidential facilitators. The mediators did individual prep phone calls or meetings with all the of the parties. When the day arrived, the mediation took place at the house where the elders lived to accommodate their needs and comfort. The mediators began the session by reviewing the agreement to mediate that includes ground rules and confidentiality of both the mediators and those at the mediation. Each party gets uninterrupted time to share their thoughts and feelings and then the conversation begins. The mediators are in the charge of the processmaking sure people are getting heard and understood, get to the underlying interests and issues at hand and finally, writing up a practical agreement that works for everyone involved. At the end of three hours the family learned just how afraid the dad was about going to a retirement community, how the mother needed additional care along with how all of the siblings felt about working together. The agreement included next steps on research for retirement home possibilities, along with medical and financial assistance. For this family, and many others, mediation provided an opportunity to open up and talk about difficult issues in a safe space. Their relationships were able to weather the storm of this life milestone because they chose to listen to each other and together create their own solution.

Editors Note: This article was submitted by Mila Pilz, Executive Director, Program Operations of Lancaster-based Advoz Mediation and Restorative Practices.

https://www.aarp.org/content/dam/aarp/ppi/2018/05/millennial-family-caregivers.pdf
http://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2018/05/04/more-than-a-million-millennials-are-becoming-moms-each-year/

Other Articles You May Like

Dealing with Deed Spam Mail

Have you recently purchased a home or made any changes to your propertys deed? Have you received an unexpected letter offering a copy of your deed for a fee? If so, youve likely encountered spam mail.Theres a company known as Land Solutions based in California that sends out Recorder of Deed Notices to individuals with newly recorded deeds. These notices claim that you can obtain a copy of your deed for a service fee of $109.00. Since the transfer of a deed is a matter of public record, they can easily access your name, address, and property information. While what theyre doing may not be a scam, we prefer to refer to it as spam. The truth is, the party responsible for transferring the deed, or even your local recorder of deeds, can provide you with a copy for a small fee or sometimes even for free. Theres no need to pay a separate company for this service.At Bellomo & Associates, many of our clients have received this type of letter, and we are delighted that they reached out to us before paying an unnecessary fee for a document we already possess on their behalf.When you receive such correspondence after making any changes, its crucial to research the company that sent it, reach out to the parties you were working with, and carefully read the fine print. In the case of these specific notices, the fine print typically states that it is not a bill but a solicitation, and you are not legally obligated to pay the amount requested.Together, we can minimize the impact of spam by working collectively and staying informed.  

Heartwarming Moves: Enhancing Seniors' Transition Experience

IntroductionMoving can be a significant life event, especially for seniors who are transitioning to a new living arrangement. Whether downsizing to a smaller home, relocating to a retirement community, or moving closer to family, the process of moving can be both exciting and daunting for seniors. In this guide, we'll explore tips and strategies for enhancing seniors' transition experience, making their move a heartwarming and positive journey.Understanding the Importance of a Positive TransitionA positive transition experience is crucial for seniors as they embark on a new chapter in their lives. Some key reasons why a positive transition is important include:Emotional Well-being: Moving can evoke a range of emotions for seniors, including excitement, anxiety, and sadness. A positive transition experience can help alleviate stress and anxiety, promoting emotional well-being.Sense of Comfort and Familiarity: Seniors may feel apprehensive about leaving behind their familiar surroundings and routines. Enhancing their transition experience can create a sense of comfort and familiarity in their new living environment.Supportive Network: A positive transition involves support from family members, friends, caregivers, and professionals. Building a supportive network can help seniors feel more confident and empowered during the moving process.Quality of Life: A positive transition can contribute to seniors' overall quality of life by ensuring that their new living arrangement meets their needs, preferences, and aspirations. Tips for Enhancing Seniors' Transition ExperienceEnhancing seniors' transition experience requires careful planning, communication, and attention to detail. Here are some tips to help make the move a heartwarming and positive journey:Create a Personalized Transition Plan: Develop a personalized transition plan that takes into account the senior's individual needs, preferences, and aspirations. Consider factors such as health condition, mobility limitations, social connections, and lifestyle preferences when planning the move.Communicate Openly and Empathetically: Foster open and honest communication with the senior throughout the transition process. Listen to their concerns, fears, and desires, and address them with empathy and understanding. Offer reassurance and support as they navigate this significant life change.Focus on Comfort and Safety: Prioritize comfort and safety in the new living environment to ensure that the senior feels secure and supported. Make necessary modifications or accommodations, such as installing grab bars, ramps, or handrails, to enhance accessibility and mobility.Encourage Familiarity and Routine: Help the senior establish a sense of familiarity and routine in their new living environment. Set up their new home with familiar belongings, cherished mementos, and essential items to create a sense of comfort and continuity.Facilitate Social Connections: Encourage the senior to connect with their new community and build social connections with neighbors, peers, and staff members. Participate in community activities, events, and outings to foster a sense of belonging and camaraderie.Offer Emotional Support and Reassurance: Be a source of emotional support and reassurance for the senior as they navigate the transition process. Validate their feelings and emotions, and offer encouragement and companionship to help alleviate any fears or anxieties.Celebrate Milestones and Achievements: Celebrate milestones and achievements throughout the transition process to acknowledge the senior's resilience, courage, and adaptability. Emphasize the positive aspects of their new living arrangement and the opportunities for growth and enrichment.Follow Up and Continued Support: Follow up with the senior after the move to ensure that they are adjusting well to their new surroundings. Provide continued support and assistance as needed, and address any concerns or challenges that may arise.At A Call to Order Professional Organizer, we understand the importance of enhancing seniors' transition experience with compassion and care. Our team of experienced professionals specializes in helping seniors and their families navigate the moving process with empathy and expertise. With our personalized approach and attention to detail, we strive to make the transition a heartwarming and positive journey for seniors as they embark on this new chapter of their lives. Let us be your trusted partner in enhancing seniors' transition experience and creating a warm and welcoming environment for your loved ones.

HomeWell Care Services Plano, TX Shines Our Employee Spotlight on Community Relations Manager, Jerry Gorman!

This month, we shine our Employee Spotlight on Community Relations Manager, Jerry Gorman!Jerry is a senior living professional with over 35 years of sales, marketing, operations, and management experience. He is a servant-driven leader focused on helping his clients live their best lives by understanding their needs and exceeding their expectations.Jerry most recently worked in Senior Living as a Community Sales Director and Executive Director for many years before joining HomeWell Care Services in June of 2022 as the Community Relations Manager serving the North Dallas area.His responsibilities include creating positive brand awareness, networking with professional organizations, building relationships with senior living communities, churches, rehabilitation centers, adult senior centers, hospitals, and more that will result in long-lasting community partnerships, and keeping our home care services top of mind within the community we serve.Thank you, Jerry, for being an amazing professional. You are an asset to our companys continuing growth and make a difference in the lives of your clients and HomeWell Care Services Plano, TX! If you or an aging loved one are considering home care in Plano, TX, contact the caring staff at HomeWell Care Services Plano TX today!Call (469) 596-6500HomeWell Care Services Plano TX is a Trusted Home Care Agency serving Plano, Allen, McKinney, Frisco, Richardson, Garland, Little Elm, Prosper, and the surrounding areas.