Big families are wonderful, but when it comes to caring for a loved one, you can have too much of a good thing when everyone has an opinion.
Everyone wants the best for their loved ones, but that doesn’t mean that everyone has the same idea of what “the best” is when it comes to home care. When daughters, sons, grandkids, and other family members get involved, the dynamic can go from being supportive to quite disruptive to the care recipient’s wellbeing.
Too many cooks in the caregiving kitchen can also impact family relationships. For example, the person doing the majority of the caregiving may feel like they’re being judged for the way they care their loved one and may resent relatives who have opinions but don’t participate in the day-to-day care. On the flipside, the distant sibling/other relative may get upset over what they believe should be done for their parent, despite not really understanding their parent’s actual status or day-to-day needs.
When too many loved ones get involved – especially if they have differing opinions – it’s the care recipient that suffers.
This can lead to:
- feelings of guilt for being the “cause” of family tension
- feeling like a burden to their loved ones
- feeling unsettled and out of sorts
- increased anxiety and stress, which can take a physical toll as well as emotional
- feeling as if they have no control over their lives
- depression
A consistent routine with an objective is key
Studies have shown time and time again that consistency and a clear routine is beneficial for the health and wellbeing of older adults. This is especially important to those living with conditions like dementia and Parkinson’s disease.
A fully trained and experienced caregiver can help your loved one find and carry out a routine so they can enjoy these benefits, which include:
- reduced stress and anxiety
- better sleep quality
- a sense of calm and security
- improved sense of self
- a sense of control
A professional caregiver can help with activities of daily living, as well as help your loved one remain engaged by escorting them to social events and activities. A consistent routine will help your loved maintain their sense of meaning and purpose, as well independence and dignity.
Article sources
Contribution of Routine to Sleep Quality in Community Elderly. Zisberg A, Gur-Yaish N, Shochat T. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2849790/
How routine facilitates wellbeing in older women. Ludwig FM. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1002/oti.57