A Family Ally
For some families, the most effective way to build caregiving consensus is to involve an impartial third party. This can be the elder’s doctor, a hospital social worker or counselor, an elder care lawyer or a licensed clinical geriatric care manager.
Recognize that your perception of the elder’s situation may be clouded by guilt, fear, sadness or lack of knowledge. An outside professional – who understands the issues and options available – can offer practical solutions that may never have occurred to you. It’s also true that the advice of an objective outside professional may greatly influence the best possible decision and diminish family conflicts and uncertainties.