Family Dynamics of Caregiving - Part 1

Jeremy Nachtigall • July 29, 2021

Navigating the family dynamics of caregiving can be complicated. Family members

may disagree on how, where, how much, or even what kind of care is needed. Families

who have not discussed these issues may be left in a panic when a crisis occurs.

Family disagreements, arguments, frustration, etc. due to the pressure of having to

make a decision are inevitable and decisions made during a crisis are never a good

idea. They are emotion-driven and can prevent us from clearly thinking several steps

ahead. 


Consulting a professional, like a Daily Money Manager, who can help you make

practical, objective decisions, will help minimize the stress.

Caregiving is complicated enough with one person but when multiple family members are involved it becomes much more challenging. In my case, I moved into my mother’s house which allowed me to not only give and get emotional comfort but also to provide point-of-service financial caregiving. My sisters and I were fortunate because we all were very involved when it came to our mother’s overall care plan and schedule, but it’s not always so easy and believe me, we weren’t always in sync either. In some cases, the caregivers who are placed in this position may feel there are unfair expectations placed on them. Some may fear that there may be an ulterior motive by one or more family members. Oftentimes, resentment creeps in which can have devastating effects on familial relationships, especially if money is involved.


Compassion Fatigue is the unfortunate byproduct and the family caregivers are at risk of physical and/or emotional burnout. In fact, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services concluded that “Caregiving has all the features of a chronic stress experience: It creates physical and psychological strain over extended periods of time, is accompanied by high levels of unpredictability and uncontrollability, has the capacity to create secondary stress in multiple life domains such as work and family relationships, and frequently requires high levels of vigilance. Caregiving fits the formula for chronic stress so well that it is used as a model for studying the health effects of chronic stress.” Caregivers become exhausted, resentful and feel emotional guilt. This is why assigning some of your daily tasks to a Daily Money Manager will provide relief.


In Part 2 of "Family Dynamics of Caregiving", I'll talk about steps to address family dynamics so that you can prevent compassion fatigue.

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