Answered a question 3/18/2010 at 4:59 pm
My parent caregiver makes negative statements about my other parent's family, medical condition, the burden on them, etc. Unfortunately, this has always been the case, but it has beem exacerbated by
...Read MoreMy parent caregiver makes negative statements about my other parent's family, medical condition, the burden on them, etc. Unfortunately, this has always been the case, but it has beem exacerbated by the medical situation. I frankly think this lashing out is a lack of maturity, even though we are talking about someone advanced in years. Not everyone comes to realize that such statements actually cause further harm. Perhaps you could raise the issue by asking how that comment is helpful, or what is gained from saying that, or why are we talking about that? It is a little different than redirection, and if asked in the right tone (not challenging) it might be enough to stop the negativity, even if just for the moment. Or, if there is an element of depression arising out of a particular circumstance or a person, perhaps it will lead to a converstaion about that, in which case, be ready to listen.