Sometimes it’s not really about changing the minds of your other family members, but it’s more about finding the right way to communicate with them.

Look at Your True Goal

If your true goal is just to get any help at all, you’re going to have a different approach than if your goal is to have someone be willing to bounce ideas around with you. It’s much better if your goal is concrete and specific. For example, one very specific goal could be that you need help with the yard at your loved one’s home. Another might be that you need help running errands or transporting your loved one. Getting your specific goals down on paper helps you to share that information more readily.

Get Clear with Everyone Involved

Once you have your goals straight, it’s time to communicate those goals with your family members. Remember that they don’t have the same experiences with caregiving that you have, so something that seems obvious to you may be something that they’ve never thought of before. That can mean that they’ve been willing to help, but didn’t fully understand what you needed until you explained it.

Don’t Try to Force Anything

If, after you’ve clearly explained what you need, you’re still not getting the help you require, don’t force the issue. Doing so is only going to cause arguments and strife, neither of which are something that you or your loved one need. Smile, accept that answer, and move on with your day. You can either move on to the next person on your list or you can take another tack.

Keep in Mind that There Are Other Solutions

So you’ve talked to everyone and no one can help. This is not as horrendous as it sounds. You’ve got other options. Talk with senior agencies in your area to find out what types of assistance they can offer. Talk to friends and neighbors about what they can do. Consider hiring elder care providers. All of these options can get you the help that you need without further alienating other family members.

No matter what happens, keep your needs and your loved one’s needs in mind as you negotiate with other family members because that helps you stay on target.

If you or an aging loved one are considering elder care in The Heights, TX, please call the caring staff at At Your Side Home Care. We will answer all of your senior care questions. Call today: (832) 271-1600.

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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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