As our parents grow older, they may start to develop more health issues that require specialized care. Increasing stress, frustration with the healthcare system, and other factors can trigger disagreements and arguments within the family. It can be overwhelming if you and your family do not see eye to eye regarding an older adult’s care, and this can cause unwanted tensions to arise. No one wants to prolong such disputes, but you may not know how to resolve the issue. Here are the top tips to minimize family disputes over an elderly parent’s care.
Prioritize Your Parent’s Opinions
Instead of arguing between your siblings, it is important to prioritize your parent’s opinions. Actively ask your parent about their preferences and listen to them attentively. While you may think that your decision is what’s best for your parent, your concern may get in the way of what your parents really want. Therefore, if your parent is able to convey their wishes, do prioritize their opinions instead of your own.
Practice Effective Ways to Communicate
Strong emotions and stress may lead to the use of harsh language or cause you to say things that you don’t mean. Learning how to communicate effectively will mitigate the chances of your words hurting your family members, and allow you to express your opinions better. The foundation for communication is to listen, and this includes putting yourself in the shoes of your family members and trying to understand their point of view. It is also important to use “I” statements to express yourself so that the other party feels less defensive and is more willing to listen.
Listen to Everyone’s Opinions
Sometimes, misunderstandings can occur due to problems with communication. If possible, call a family meeting so that everyone can express their concerns directly. It is crucial to remember that there is no right or wrong opinion and that everyone has your parent’s best interests at heart.
Learn to Forgive And Forget
Be prepared to apologize sincerely if you want to mend your relationship. It can be extremely difficult to admit your mistakes, but it is a necessary step if you want to reconcile with your family members. Likewise, if your family members offer a heartfelt apology, you need to be able to forgive them in order to move on past the dispute.
Get Professional Help
If the dispute is prolonged and cannot be resolved within the family, you may need to bring in a professional to help work out your differences. Social workers, geriatric care managers, and counselors are some of the experts that can help you resolve your issues. They can provide an unbiased point of view and suggest which option is best for your parent.
For those who are considering moving to a retirement community, you can definitely count on the experts there to help assess which type of care will be most suitable for your parent. You can even schedule a tour to explore the retirement community’s senior living options in detail. Make sure to bring your parents along, so they can decide for themselves if they like the place.
