A diagnosis of dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, or another cognitive condition can produce strong emotions among family members. When discussions begin about suitable care, family arguments can add to the stress and uncertainty. Some of your family members may argue that aging in place is best for your loved one, while others might believe senior memory care is the best course of action.
At Fox Trail Memory Care Living, we understand the significance of such a difficult decision. In addition to providing compassionate memory care services in a welcoming home-like setting, we aim to educate families. Here, we offer advice for families who can’t agree on appropriate cognitive care for a loved one with a progressive condition.
Tips for Families
When families disagree about senior memory care for a loved one, arguments tend to ensue. Because arguments surround such a sensitive and important topic, they might lead to broken relationships. To ensure that’s not the outcome with your family, Fox Trail Memory Care Living offers the following advice:
Listen and Respect Each Other’s Opinions
When a parent, grandparent, or other relative experiences a progressive illness that impacts brain function, it can be devastating and highly stressful. Family members might react to the news differently and have various opinions on the matter, especially regarding care.
Every family member should have the opportunity to express their thoughts and feelings on this complex issue. Other family members should listen to their relatives while they share their opinions and avoid blaming or attacking each other, as this will only create more conflict.
Your family should have an open and honest conversation where everyone can participate so that no one feels left out or unheard. Always encourage active listening and respect other opinions.
Continue Discussions
There isn’t a cure for cognitive conditions such as dementia, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s disease. Therefore, loved ones with the condition will require ongoing care, meaning your family will need to continue to talk and keep lines of communication open.
Families should schedule regular meetings or calls to keep everyone updated on the health status of their loved ones. These discussions should include whether the current care your loved one is receiving is still suitable or if more extensive care measures are needed.
Consider Outside Help If Necessary
If disagreements continue and tension remains ongoing with no resolution in sight, your family might consider seeking help from a neutral third party to assist in finding practical solutions. This approach can sometimes help family members take a step back and work through the difficult issues together.
Empathetic care consultants at Fox Trail Memory Care Living can serve as mediators for families who can’t agree on memory care services for their loved ones. We can help families come to a joint decision about care and other pressing matters.
Plan
Families should begin having discussions surrounding care before the condition worsens. If your loved one is still coherent, include them in the conversation. Start by asking them about their wishes and the type of care they would like to receive, as well as how they want their adult children involved.
Senior Memory Care at Fox Trail Memory Care Living
At Fox Trail Memory Care Living, we are committed to the idea that every person, regardless of cognitive function, deserves a life filled with rich engagement and meaningful experiences. Our team provides compassionate and comprehensive memory care services to residents and support to their families.
We offer our services in a safe and comfortable community environment. Residents are encouraged to partake in a wide range of activities to engage their minds and support overall well-being. We provide ample opportunities for our residents to socialize with one another and make meaningful connections.
Our dementia-certified staff is available 24/7 to provide your loved one with round-the-clock support. We closely monitor the health of our residents and perform the appropriate actions should medical attention be necessary.
In our communities, every square inch is designed with your loved one in mind. While our senior living communities have an array of gathering areas, every resident will have private living quarters that come fully furnished.
Discover More by Touring Our Memory Care Communities
Not all family members are keen on the idea of a senior memory care community for their loved ones. At Fox Trail Memory Care Living, we promise your family is in the best hands possible under our care. We are committed to providing outstanding, person-centered memory care in our senior living communities in northern and central New Jersey. We encourage families to tour our communities to discover the wide range of amenities and support services we offer firsthand. Contact us today to learn more about our cognitive care services and why so many families trust us.