Category filter: Caregiver Resources > Family Issues & Dynamics

Late last year I worked with a woman who was struggling to cope with her partner’s attitudes towards his Parkinson’s disease. She felt worried, frustrated, resentful and guilty; she didn’t know what else she could do. This is a story that is far too common in my counselling practice. As a carepartner, you may also… Read more…

I was in a gift shop yesterday and, as I am often noted for, spoke out loud to no one in particular, “Wow, this holiday season has really snuck up again on me this year.” In a shocking turn of events, someone answered, “Tell me about it! I wish I could get into a time… Read more…

Last week, I was on a panel to talk about #AgingWell in BC. One of the biggest themes emerging was the importance of PLANNING for the future. The subject remains taboo for many; after all, who wants to explore their decline in health and function let alone their mortality? Unfortunately, failing to plan adequately for… Read more…

I wrote this article for Inspired Senior Living as part of my ongoing work with the Family Caregivers of British Columbia. I can’t encourage readers enough to use this amazing provincial resource on family caregiving, as well as being able to talk to someone about how best to care for someone without losing yourself and… Read more…

The common pitfalls of family dynamics and conflicts end to revolve around the issue of caring for an aging loved on.  How can we “share the care” without creating unnecessary conflict?  It all comes down to family members being able to make key decisions together; reaching consensus on dividing the caregiving tasks and how well… Read more…

I was speaking to my friend, Robert, who I would describe as a “reluctant caregiver” and I was struck by the internal struggle he faces with his aging parents. It is clear there is a long history of conflict and hurt between him and his father. There isn’t much affection between them and his visits… Read more…

  In my last column, I discussed the common pitfalls of family dynamics and conflict. How can we “share the care” without creating unnecessary conflict? It all comes down to family members being able to make key decisions together; reaching consensus on dividing the caregiving tasks and how well they work as a team. Here… Read more…

In my business, the services we provide affect both the aging person and their family members. Conflict between adult children and their parents if probably the most common situation we come across. Children typically feel Mom and Dad need more help. Mom or Dad, on the other hand, disagree and are willing to take numerous… Read more…

I have a client that absolutely keeps me on my toes. And I love it! Her favourite question is, “So now what, Wendy?” It usually happens after she confides in me about one of challenges she faces as an adult child caring for her father. Her most recent eldercare issue was the last conversation she… Read more…

I have a wonderful brother. Mind you, he wasn’t always wonderful. In fact, I didn’t officially put him in that category until he was married and had a few kids under his belt. Up until that time and depending on the circumstances, he was either in the “awful,” “overprotective” or “suspiciously being kind for no… Read more…