Working with the Family Dynamic

Kansas City Home Care • April 1, 2019

A Diagnosis of Dementia Can Change Family Roles

Family dynamics are often affected when a family member is diagnosed with dementia. Dad might no longer be able to make big decisions. Mom seems to get lost in the middle of an important conversation. As a result, family members may find themselves taking on new roles. And not everyone is comfortable with this.

For many years, Tim Tholen, CEO and Founder of Thoughtful Health Care and its affiliates in Kansas City has seen these family dynamic changes among his clients. In the “Getting the Family Onboard” video, Tim helps clarify and address some of these issues in order to help families see the big picture.

How to Begin to Take Action

  • Begin by making action lists. A shared online document is a good way to keep everyone up to date.
  • Keeping the end goal in mind will help every member of the family stay focused on outcomes. Remember: the care and wellbeing of the loved one with dementia is that end goal.
  • Delegate: geographical location and the ability to get things done are good indicators of who should do what.
  • Lose the drama–everyone is human and is doing their best.

Denial Is Real

Having a family member deny that the family dynamic has changed is frustrating, but it serves a purpose. Some people are so uncomfortable with major life changes that they feel safer denying that anything is wrong. Being in a state of denial is a coping mechanism for some people, and it’s fairly common in families who are faced with the challenges that dementia brings.

Try to treat this person with compassion, but don’t expect that he or she will be able to contribute to decision making. Remember that everyone has his or her own emotional timeline, and some people are simply better planners and executors than others.

Our professional caregivers at Kansas City Home Care are here to support your family in caring for a loved one at home. Please feel free to contact us for more information.

For more information about Kansas City Home Care visit the  Kansas City Home Care website.

REQUEST FREE
IN HOME ASSESSMENT

REQUEST FREE IN HOME ASSESSMENT

Close-up shot of the hands of a senior woman being held by her caregiver.

Empowering Families through Patient Advocacy Strategies

January 30, 2023
If you have an elderly parent or grandparent who needs healthcare support, patient advocacy strategies and services may be able to help navigate the journey.

At What Point Do Dementia Patients Need 24-Hour Care

By Kansas City Home Care • December 26, 2022
Dementia is an illness that affects people’s cognition, memory, and behavior. Dementia is a progressive condition; therefore, symptoms may be mild at first and worsen over time. People with dementia can require professional dementia care, which varies depending on symptoms. Those with severe dementia symptoms can require 24-hour care. However, the question is, at what […] The post At What Point Do Dementia Patients Need 24-Hour Care appeared first on Kansas City Home Care.

When Is It Time for Assisted Living?

By Kansas City Home Care • November 28, 2022
According to a 2016 report, 17.7 million Americans provide medical assistance to an elderly relative or friend. As we age, we may experience a decline in physical or mental health, adversely affecting our ability to live independently, which will leave us questioning when is it time for assisted living. Over half of those aged 85–89 […] The post When Is It Time for Assisted Living? appeared first on Kansas City Home Care.

Private Home Care Services: Frequently Asked Questions

By Kansas City Home Care • October 28, 2022
Here at Kansas City Home Care, we know that when it comes to choosing private care services for your loved ones, you likely have many questions. And that’s perfectly normal! Choosing a private care service is a big decision, and we want to do everything we can to help you feel comfortable and confident in […] The post Private Home Care Services: Frequently Asked Questions appeared first on Kansas City Home Care.

How to Care for a Parent with Dementia: Caregiving Tactics for Elderly Parents

By Kansas City Home Care • September 30, 2022
As our parents age, we often find ourselves taking on new roles to ensure they’re well taken care of. If your parent is living with dementia, it’s important to understand how to best provide for them.   Caring for a parent with dementia can be challenging, but there are ways to make it easier. First, you […] The post How to Care for a Parent with Dementia: Caregiving Tactics for Elderly Parents appeared first on Kansas City Home Care.

Respite Care Kansas City: Post-Surgery Recovery Tips for Seniors

By Kansas City Home Care • August 29, 2022
Post-surgery recovery can be challenging for any person, but it can be especially so for seniors. To help you make the best of the situation, here are some tips from Kansas City Home Care on how to make your post-operative recovery period less stressful and more successful. Follow Your Physician’s Instructions Following your physician’s instructions […] The post Respite Care Kansas City: Post-Surgery Recovery Tips for Seniors appeared first on Kansas City Home Care.

Long-Distance Caregiving: 6 Tips for Making Your Caregiving More Effective

By Kansas City Home Care • July 29, 2022
Are you the primary caregiver for an elderly loved one who lives far away? If so, you know how challenging it can be to manage long-distance caregiving. You may feel like you’re not doing enough or that you’re unable to be there for your loved one the way you want. But don’t worry – you […] The post Long-Distance Caregiving: 6 Tips for Making Your Caregiving More Effective appeared first on Kansas City Home Care.

Understanding the Costs of In-Home Care for Alzheimer’s Patients

By Kansas City Home Care • June 27, 2022
Alzheimer’s is a devastating form of Dementia that robs people of their memories and eventually their ability to function independently. For families dealing with Alzheimer’s, the physical and emotional toll can be overwhelming. One of the most difficult decisions families face is whether to keep their loved ones at home or place them in a […] The post Understanding the Costs of In-Home Care for Alzheimer’s Patients appeared first on Kansas City Home Care.

Benefits of In Home Care Services To Consider

By Kansas City Home Care • May 27, 2022
For many older adults, social interaction is an important part of life. When caring for an elderly loved one, many families feel the tug to take on the caregiving responsibilities themselves. But there are benefits to home care that can be worth considering.   By bringing in outside help, families can give their loved ones the […] The post Benefits of In Home Care Services To Consider appeared first on Kansas City Home Care.

Activities for Seniors in Kansas City

By Kansas City Home Care • April 29, 2022
Nothing improves the quality of life for seniors than being active. Staying active helps older adults avoid or delay health issues associated with aging. Seniors may require help from relatives or professional caregivers to perform some activities. For instance, an older adult needs help from a trainer to engage in yoga. The best activities for […] The post Activities for Seniors in Kansas City appeared first on Kansas City Home Care.
More Posts
Share by: