Can You Still Be a Caregiver if Your Relationship with Your Senior Is Rocky?

Bad relationships between family caregivers and their aging adults are not as uncommon as you might think. The reality of that is something that is difficult to manage. So can you still be the caregiver you want to be if you and your senior don’t get along?

Really Think Before You Agree

Depending on how bad the relationship with your aging adult has been, you may need to really stop and think before you agree to be her caregiver. It’s possible that there aren’t many other choices for the position, but that doesn’t mean that you need to agree without any thought. This is especially true if your own mental health would suffer.

Truly Listen to What Your Senior Is Saying

Sometimes aging adults are difficult and cranky because they feel as if no one is listening to them. This can become even worse if your elderly family member is scared and doesn’t know what’s going to happen next. Try really listening to her fears and concerns to see what you can glean from those.

Establish Routines and then Add Variety

Routines are an important part of your senior’s success at this stage of her life. Routines and schedules also help to ensure that you don’t leave anything out or forget anything important in your elderly family member’s care. At the same time, too much routine creates problems, too. So don’t be afraid to add variety into that schedule.

Step Back a Little if it’s Still Rocky

You also need to remember that if things are still rocky with your aging adult, you can be more of a hands-off caregiver. Hire elder care providers to help more on a daily basis. This ensures that there’s someone taking care of your elderly family member, but that you’re not exposed to the daily barrage that a bad relationship can be.

Do What Brings Positivity into Your Own Life

At this stage, you’re going to need as much positivity in each day as you can possibly get. Figure out what helps you to feel positive and happy and make sure you’re getting that every day. This might mean meditating in the morning, seeking out humorous TV shows, or attending support group meetings.

Being someone else’s caregiver is a big responsibility. But you have a responsibility to yourself, as well. Look for solutions that enable your senior to have the help that she needs while still keeping your own mental and physical health in mind.

If you or an aging loved one are considering elder care in New Brunswick Township, NJ, please contact the caring staff at Care Street Home Care of New Brunswick today. Call (732) 607-8870.