/
RSS Feed
In This Episode:
Dr. K talks with family caregiving expert Barbara Kane, LCSW, co-author of “Coping With Your Difficult Older Parent: A Guide for Stressed-Out Children.” She is a co-founder of Aging Network Services, which provides geriatric care management and psychotherapy services. They discuss:
- What it means to be a “difficult” older person, and why most such older parents have been “difficult” their entire lives
- Categories of difficult behavior, including dependent, “turnoff”, self-centered, controlling, self-destructive, and fearful behaviors
- How Aging Network Services helps adult children examine and improve their own interactions with their aging parents
- Why age-related challenges are especially hard on “difficult” people
- Why adult children must often learn to tolerate an older parent’s unhappiness
- How it can help to stop arguing, stop “trying to fix,” and stop “trying to please”
- Tips on boundaries and setting limits with an older parent
- How bringing in a geriatric care manager can help an aging parent accept needed help
- Strategies for better communication with siblings when discussing plans for aging parents
Related episodes:
069- Evaluating Memory & Thinking Problems: 10 Causes & 10 Things to Check
028- When Older Parents Resist Help: 4 Tips for Better Talks
Related Resources:
- Coping With Your Difficult Parent: A Guide for Stressed-Out Children
- Aging Network Services
- Aging Life Care Association: What You Need To Know
- Related articles on Better Health While Aging:
Never Miss an Episode! Sign up here to be notified of our latest podcast episodes by email. Click here now.
Farzaneh says
Thank you it was so helpful, My family is struggling with the same horrible things, It is necessary to learn how to prevent this issues from first step in years ago before happening.
Nicole Didyk, MD says
I’m so glad you found the information helpful and I’m sorry to hear that your family is struggling. You made a good choice coming to the website! Feel free to post your comments and questions here.
Virginia Davis says
Have listened to this several times. So very helpful and great insights. You have given me many new tools and reminders on how best to deal with my difficult 83 year old Mother.
Leslie Kernisan, MD MPH says
Thank you, I’m very glad you found this helpful!
Mo says
Great Podcast. Thank you both. I have gained some insight, and looking forward to reading the book.