Family Relationships & Conflict

Do family care receivers experience gaps in the quality of care provided by family caregivers? A common belief is that family caregivers are the best caregivers. Perceptions exist that the relationship between the family caregiver and the family care receiver is of better quality than a relati...

  How many times do we hear adult children say “my parent is stubborn” or “my parent is difficult”?  How often is caring for stubborn elderly parents an  accurate assessment of the true situation? Does the definition of a “stubborn parent” arise because a parent may be starting t...

Many adults find themselves raising children and caregiving for aging parents or grandparents. When I was young, my mother was very good about taking me to visit my grandparents, aunts, uncles, and other family members who were aging and already in need of care. In many families this activity d...

  By Pamela D Wilson MS, BS/BA, CSA, NCG Imperfect family caregiving relationships are the result of imperfect relationships between aging parents and adult children or spouses. When families come together in caregiving situations, at family or holiday reunion, or when family members interact ...

By Pamela D Wilson MS, BS/BA, CSA, NCG The holidays are a time when families come together and gifts are shared. How many of you have childhood memories of not getting what you wanted? Because of this memory you may have been a parent who gave your child everything he or she wanted—and you...

The responsibility of caregiving places significant strain on family relationships. Being realistic and honest preserves relationships. ...

Navigating the family dynamics of caregiving can be challenging. Many family members, including aging parents disagree on how or where care should be provided. When these concerns were not previously discussed and a crises occurs, family disagreements are common due to the pressure of having to...

A woman I know is losing her mind; she has a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease.  However, despite the frustration, anxiety and fear she faces on a daily basis, she remains thankful.  Thankful that her family survived the terrors of the concentration camps and was able to journey to the Unite...

 Caregiving is more often than not an unexpected event. Many caregivers have a daily routine caring for a loved one. Some caregivers continue working; some stay at home to caregive. Most important is the caregiver’s ability for self-care including attending to healthcare and medical needs. C...

Interview with Dr. Susan Heitler, Clinical Psychologist (podcast 10:29 playing time) Click the Play button below to listen: ...

Pamela D. Wilson, MS, BS/BA, NCG, CSA Emotionally challenging caregiving situations are common. Many family members tell me that they are embarrassed about their family caregiving situation. Know that you are not alone. Challenges are common with family caregiving situations because of the h...