If your loved one can sometimes be difficult, you should not be too worried as you are not alone. As years progress, our loved ones can grow more and more stubborn due to a variety of factors. Issues such as memory loss, stress, and boredom can all cause our loved ones to be difficult. Fortunately, there are ways in which you can manage these kinds of situations. Here then are some tips on handling stubborn loved ones.
Engage Them
While this may seem obvious, there are many times when we find ourselves not truly engaging with our loved ones during moments like these. There is a tendency to either dismiss them or assume that we know exactly what is wrong with them. Assuming that they must have a valid reason for their fuss and trying to understand what this is can go a long way in making these moments of stubbornness become less frequent.
Keep Questions Direct
When engaging loved ones during a moment of stubbornness, it is important to ensure that you keep your language as simple and as direct as possible. Do not beat about the bushes nor should you ask complicated questions. Keep the language in a way that is open to only one interpretation. Remember that during moments like these, your loved one is probably very emotional and may easily misinterpret your questions.
The other thing to keep an eye on is making the problem personal. Instead, keep the topic firmly on the issue at hand. If your loved one tries to make it personal, firmly bring the conversation back to the issue.
Deal With One Issue At A Time
When it comes to covering various issues, you should strive to ensure that only one problem is covered at a time. Not only is this a more efficient and simpler way of dealing with difficulties, but it also ensures that there is little chance of misinterpretation.
On this point as well, avoid getting emotional and stick to facts. If you are unable to control your emotions, then it is a good idea to stop the conversation and resume it when both of you are calmer. Walking away from an argument is sometimes a better option than saying something that you will regret later.
Watch for Nonverbal Cues
It is said that most of our communication with other people is non-verbal. As a result, when your loved one is being difficult, you should ensure that you are keeping an eye on his or her body language. For example, your loved one may verbally agree with you but you might be able to tell from their body language that they still
disagree. This means that you may need to start this conversation again in the future to ensure that the problem is fully agreed upon.
You also need to ensure that you take a break from full-time caregiving in order to recharge. Assisted living communities are a great way to get your loved ones the care they need while helping you get time to rest.
