Break the Caregiving Stalemate - Overcoming Caregiver Resistance

It’s never easy to broach the subject of needing assistance, especially for our loved ones. Whether it’s in-home care, a senior community, or another form of support, the decision can be overwhelming for both parties involved. Here are some strategies to help you navigate these challenging conversations.

Scenario 1: They Insist They Don't Need Help

When a loved one is adamant about their independence, it’s essential to focus on your needs, not theirs. Try this approach:

• Express your concerns:?Share your feelings about their well-being and how their situation is impacting you.
• Frame it as your need:?Explain that you're feeling overwhelmed and stressed, and that additional support would provide peace of mind.
• Focus on the benefits:?Emphasize how having extra help can improve their quality of life, such as allowing them more time for hobbies or social activities.

Scenario 2: They Agree to Help but Don’t Take Action

If your loved one is committed to getting help but struggles to follow through, try these tactics:

• Acknowledge their decision:?Validate their choice and express your support.
• Offer assistance:?Show your willingness to help by taking the lead on some of the next steps.
• Create a sense of urgency:?Gently remind them of the benefits of moving forward and the potential consequences of delay.
• Provide options:?Give them choices to empower them in the decision-making process.

Scenario 3: They Avoid the Conversation Altogether

Discussing care and end-of-life plans can be daunting, but it’s essential for everyone involved. Here are some tips:

• Start small:?Begin with casual conversations about health, aging, or the experiences of others.
• Normalize the topic:?Make it clear that planning for the future is a responsible and caring thing to do.
• Be patient:?Progress may be slow, but consistent and gentle conversations can build trust.
• Seek professional help:?Consider involving a therapist or counselor if the situation is particularly challenging.

General Strategies

• Involve other family members:?A united front can be more persuasive.
• Seek professional advice:?A geriatric care manager or therapist can provide guidance and support.
• Offer respite care:?Suggest a trial period of in-home care to alleviate caregiver stress and demonstrate the benefits.
• Explore financial options:?Discuss potential funding sources like long-term care insurance or government programs.
• Create a support network:?Connect with other caregivers for advice and emotional support.

Remember,?you're not alone in this journey.?Caregiving can be incredibly demanding,?both emotionally and physically.It’s important to prioritize your own well-being as you support your loved one.?By implementing these strategies and seeking support when needed,?you can navigate this challenging time with grace and resilience.?Remember,?every step forward,?no matter how small,?is a positive one.

• Share this article with a fellow caregiver who could benefit.
• Forward this to a family member who might find this helpful.

The Fight for a Parkinson's Cure: A Son's Mission

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Parkinson's disease advocacy is vital in the fight for a cure.?Without public awareness and ongoing funding,?research progress can stall.?Advocacy efforts raise money for crucial research,?educate the public about the disease,?and create a sense of urgency.?Every conversation about Parkinson's disease brings us closer to a future without this debilitating condition.

Our Guest: Dr. George Ackerman

Dr. George Ackerman (Sharon’s son) is from Brooklyn, N.Y. Now residing in Florida, he works in the fields of law, police, and education. George lost his mother, Sharon Riff Ackerman on 1/1/2020 due to Parkinson’s Disease.?

George wanted to honor his mother and continue to help in the Parkinson’s awareness cause and did not know how to bring change. We started TogetherForSharon? as a family for the purpose of keeping my mother, Sharon Riff Ackerman’s, memory alive and to share the message of Parkinson’s Awareness and hope for a cure.

Today?https://www.togetherforsharon.com/?reaches thousands of individuals across the country for PD Awareness. George currently interviews individuals throughout the Parkinson’s community including various foundations, caregivers, and Parkinson’s warriors to help share their stories and causes.?

Hi friends,

?Despite a healthy lifestyle, we can’t assume all is working at its best, we have to do what we can to support our brain health. That’s why I take Relevate daily.

It provides me with 17 nutrients that support brain function and help keep me sharp.? Since you're someone I care about, I wanted to share this discovery with you.? You can order it with my code:?FM15 and get $20 OFF your first order. (Click image above for link.)

?

Take care,?

Jennifer

The podcast has its own LinkedIn page! Please follow for updates on the show. My personal page will focus more on my advocacy and speaking engagements going forward.

Fading Memories - https://www.dhirubhai.net/company/fading-memories-podcast/?viewAsMember=true

Catch-up episode:

Self Care Is Not Just Bubble Baths & Wine

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Self-care is more than a bubble bath or a glass of wine. Caregivers frequently hear, “you have to take care of yourself,” but they seldom hear how to make that happen. They're also rarely offered the assistance they need that would allow them time for self-care.

If you want to demolish the feelings of guilt, overwhelm, and bitterness, you need to learn how to become a Warrior of Light. That is the title of my guest's book. Eileen Silverberg is a caregiver, author, and teacher of self-care. She emphasizes meditation and Hawaiian practices, and after listening to this episode, you will have new tools that will help you find peace and happiness and form a stronger bond with your loved one. Self-care will no longer be solely bubble baths & wine.

Through?A Warrior of Light, Eileen guides all types of caregivers as they face challenges. She helps them relinquish self-sabotage, forgive themselves, deepen their spiritual practice, engage in self-care, and ultimately, find their own Inner Warrior. As you read her journey, you will repair your connection with yourself and become the best you.

So choose today to get rid of those judgments and limiting beliefs surrounding Alzheimer's patients and their caregivers.

Eileen will help you redefine how you view self-care to help you overcome burnouts and anxiety. She will advise you on how to think with a more positive mindset about who you are, how you perceive others and the world.

HelpTexts

Feeling overwhelmed? HelpTexts can be your pocket therapist.

Going through a tough time??

HelpTexts offers?confidential support?delivered straight to your phone via text message.

Whether you're dealing with grief,?caregiving stress,?or just need a mental health boost,?their?expert-guided?texts provide?personalized tips and advice.

Sign up for a year of support and get:

• Weekly texts?tailored to your situation
• Actionable strategies?to cope and move forward
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HelpTexts makes getting help easy and convenient.

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