6: Managing Relationships: Caring for a Non-Immediate Family Member

In this episode, Dr. Lakelyn concludes a three-part series on caregiving relationships with a discussion on what it’s like to care for a relative who isn’t a spouse or parent, along with the unique challenges that face those caring for a non-relative. Dr. Lakelyn talks with fellow gerontologist and caregiver April Ibarra who has cared for a number of family members including her aunt, Joy. Episode highlights include: - Challenges of caring for non-immediate relatives - Differences in caring for someone outside the family - Important considerations for non-traditional caregiving relationships - Emotional burden among the different types of caregivers - Resources to support caregivers along their journey Helpful links from this episode: - Caregiving in the U.S. 2020 Report -Aging with April: www.aprilibarra.com   Article: Solving Family Conflict - Journal article: “Effects of Relationship Type on Quality of Life in Older Adults with Cognitive Impairment and the Informal Caregivers” - Live chat: Legal Aspects of Estate Planning with an Elder Law Attorney - Find your local Area Agency on Aging (AAA)  - Aging Life Care Association  - Live chat: Finding Joy in Caregiving with Loretta Veney - Article: Laughter is the Best Medicine  - Meals on Wheels of America - Guide: Home Care Solutions  To learn more about this podcast and to subscribe to our caregiving  newsletters, visit www.homeinstead.com/caregiverchats. Share your thoughts, experiences and ideas by emailing Dr. Lakelyn at [email protected]. Like, subscribe, rate and review this podcast on your favorite podcast platform. Follow us on social media: Facebook: @homeinsteadinc Instagram: @homeinsteadinc YouTube: @homeinsteadinc 00:00 - Intro 01:11 - Who are non-immediate family members? 02:25 - Introducing April Ibarra 03:40 - April’s caregiving experience 10:39 - Assuming the caregiving role 12:18 - Becoming more dependent on family 14:03 - Advantages to being non-immediate 15:24 - Sometimes communication is easier 18:17 - Giving ownership to the person being cared for 20:44 - Prioritizing what’s important 22:00 - Managing legal affairs 25:28 - Navigating family dynamics 31:12 - Pacing yourself 32:48 - Emotional strain with caregiving 38:28 - Plug into your resources 40:41 - Laughter is the best medicine! 41:56 - Spending quality time together 43:17 - Outro