Family Caring for Family

When a family member is caring for an individual in the later stages of life, they are obviously very personally invested. This heavy attachment, decades of memories, and dynamic in the family’s structure has the tendency to negatively impact the quality of care. Although considered an asset most of the time, being too close to an ailing person can cause the caregiver to become overwhelmed and reactive. Outside help can sometimes be better at balancing distance and concern in regards to giving care. A caregiver has to have enough engagement to give the care recipient what they need, but also must know when to make decisions logically rather than emotionally. The caregiver and care recipient must have good report with one another but must also have a realistic understanding of the situation. The spouse of an aging or ill person can do and say that which only the two of them can understand, but might need a less-connected and experienced outsider to set in on complex matters. Outside help also has the ability to leave the environment which family members might not always have. This is more so the case with married couples.