As you probably know already, dealing with controlling aging parents can be difficult sometimes. They might become over-controlling as a defensive mechanism and in some cases, they might act like this without even knowing it. Fortunately, there are a lot of ways you can deal with controlling parents safely and efficiently.
On top of that, keep in mind that you’re not alone in this endeavor. Team members working in trustworthy retirement communities can help your loved ones in various ways, giving you more time to focus on your own life. Here are a few tips to remember when it comes to dealing with your parents.
Focus on Communication
Communication provides one of the best ways to reach a consensus. In many cases, parents argue with their loved ones because there’s not enough trust or understanding when it comes to performing daily tasks. It’s important to communicate frequently with your aging parents and try to be compassionate and patient. By doing so, they are more likely to open up, accept your help and not become over-controlling. Try to make your parents understand how you want to help them and what’s the role of a caregiver in this relationship.
Work With an Experienced Caregiver
As mentioned earlier, you are not alone when it comes to dealing with your controlling parents. The team members working in retirement communities have years of experience caring for people in their golden years. You might want to seriously consider settling your loved ones in an independent or memory care retirement community. By doing so, you will know for sure that your family members receive the best possible care and that their medical and health needs are met.
Let Parents Exercise Some Control
One of the main reasons why aging parents become over-controlling is because they do not like to see how they have become so dependent on others. It’s like mental claustrophobia if you want to think about it that way. For example, if you were used to controlling most of your actions and now you control very little, this will probably make you angry. The situation is similar with your parents. You might be able to mitigate some of the resulting stress and tension by letting your parents exercise some control over their lives. Let them participate in the preparation of meals, ask them about their opinion when talking, etc.
Agree to a Set of Rules
Another great thing you can try is to agree on a set of rules. This provides the foundation for a less stressful relationship between you and your parents. For example, you might want to let them do the dishes, but you handle meal preparation entirely. You agree on daily walks and make sure that they follow through because it’s good for their health, etc.
At SummerHouse Beau Ridge, we know how difficult it can be for caregivers to deal with controlling people in their golden years and we are ready to help you in this regard. Get in touch with one of our team members today to learn more about retirement communities, how to care for parents and what services and amenities are offered in these communities.
