Are you a family caregiver? Are there other family members who are also taking care of your loved one? If so, then you may find that conflicts will arise. No matter how close you are to your other family members, who are also considered home care providers, just as you are, it’s important to resolve conflicts that arise as quickly as possible. If you delay or you don’t think that it’s all that important, you could end up creating an even bigger problem down the road.

1. Address the issue as soon as possible. If you keep putting things off, it’s only going to allow the issues to fester within your mind, and the mind of the other person. It also gives you and everyone else time to gossip, which usually leads to miscommunication and resentment.

As much as you may prefer to avoid talking about certain problems, get on top of them from the start and this will help you reach an understanding that will benefit the patient as well as you and your relationship with your other family members.

2. Don’t engage in gossip. As noted in the first tip, gossip will only lead to more resentment. Don’t talk about the issue with other family members because eventually that will get back to the person with whom you had a problem, or to you, and that will only cause you or them to entrench deeper in their anger or resentment.

3. Remember to place the needs or your elderly loved one first. As a family caregiver, it is essential that you remember to place his or her needs above your own. If you are having a problem with another family member who is also taking care of this family member, this could actually lead to a lack of communication and that could have a negative impact on the patient’s health and well-being.

We tend to prefer to avoid conflict, either walking away from a situation or telling ourselves after some time has passed that it’s ‘no big deal.’ In reality, it can be a big deal.

Always place the needs of the patient above wounded emotions or feelings. Step up and take charge. If the other family member doesn’t want to talk about the issue, then there’s not much you can do at that point. Focus on providing the highest level of home care for your loved as possible, and you will be the right caregiver for them.

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Donna Wrabel, LMSW

Co-Owner at At Your Side Home Care

For most of us, the word "home" evokes warm feelings of comfort, security and well-being. For older adults, home also means holding tight to cherished memories and maintaining self-esteem and independence. When illness, injury or age make life a little more challenging, remaining at home in a comfortable, familiar environment encourages recovery and enhances the quality of life. Home can be defined as a private residence, an independent or assisted living facility or even a short term stay in the hospital, we recognize the additional benefits provided by a personal, professional assistant.

Our Certified Nurse Aides, 24-Hour Live-in Assistants and Home Health Aides are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. We also provide the security and confidence of 24-hour Telephone Assistance, so fast, reliable help is always available when it's needed. To learn more about our homecare services see our homecare services page.

Different people need different levels of homecare. To meet the requirements of our clients, At Your Side Homecare maintains consistent staffing levels of caring professionals. Homecare service is available for as little as a few hours a week, or as many as 24 hours a day, seven days a week

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