Resolving Family Conflicts with Dementia

Learning Objectives

Lesson 1 – Introduction and Key Learning Objectives

This lesson introduces learners to the content and learning objectives for the course. 

On completion of this lesson the learner will:

• Understand the structure, overall content, learning objectives and assessment strategy for the course. 

Lesson 2 – Minimal Planning Needs and Most Common Family Fights

This lesson examines minimal planning needs. The importance of early discussion including family and the elder is emphasized. Documents of relevance such as durable power of attorney and advanced healthcare directives, amongst others, are explored. The most common types of family disagreements and the different motivations that can inform them are examined. 

On completion of this lesson the learner will:

• Understand the importance of, and rationale for early planning. 
• Understand the minimal planning needs for elders with dementia.
• Understand the most common types of family fight and the motivations for them. 

Lesson 3 – Tools that can Aid in Improving Communication

This lesson discusses the role of communication in family conflicts with dementia. The importance of increased communication in reducing the likelihood and severity of family disputes are examines. Useful software to improve and increase communication in particular relation to elder care is suggested. The consequences of poor or absent communication are discussed, and the role of mediation in assisting families to communicate effectively is explored. 

On completion of this lesson the learner will:

• Understand the role of communication in the avoidance and resolution of family conflicts. 
• Understand the potential consequences of poor or absent communication.
• Have knowledge of tools and software to aid communication
• Understand the indication for and role of mediation

Lesson 4 – Communications Disagreements Over Type of Care

This lesson discusses family conflicts and disagreements that can arise when discussing different types of care. Acute care, life sustaining medical care and custodial care are defined, alongside discussion of the importance of knowing elders’ wishes in relation to ceilings of care and treatment. The useful nature of mediation is reiterated, alongside discussion of the need for use of conflict resolution mechanisms in order to find workable solutions and provide the best care for the elder. 

On completion of this lesson the learner will: 

• Be aware of family disputes that may occur when discussing types of care, and the role mediation can play in resolving these
• Be able to define acute care, life sustaining medical care and custodial care
• Understand the importance of early discussions and prioritizing the elder’s wishes.

Lesson 5 – Conservatorship and Fiduciaries

This lesson discusses conservatorships and fiduciaries. Conservatorships are defined in detail and the indications and rationale for their use examined. The role of fiduciaries and their relevance in managing the finances, estate and wellbeing of elders is explored. 

On completion of this lesson the learner will:

• Understand the definition of a conservatorship, and the indications for appointing a conservatorship for an elder with dementia
• Understand the role of a fiduciary in management of the finances, administration needs and wellbeing of people with dementia

Lesson 6 – Sources of Care and how to Pay for Them 

This lesson outlines and compares the types of care available to elders with dementia. The ways in which otherwise unpaid family members are sometimes compensated financially and otherwise is also discussed. Government benefit schemes are also briefly explored. 

On completion of this lesson the learner will: 

• Understand the types of care available for people with dementia, and the average cost ranges for care provision.
• Understand the pros and cons of unpaid family members providing care for elders, alongside ways to compensate family members for this labor. 
• Understand the basics of what government benefits are available to elders with dementia. 

Lesson 7 – When One Sibling does it all: How to Share Responsibilities

This lesson examines the difficulties that may arise when one family member provides all the care for an elder. Suggestions are made on how to share the load in terms of physical care, and legal and financial labor. 

On completion of this lesson the learner will:

• Understand the physical, emotional and social effect on the family member carer caused by meeting all of the elders care, financial and admin needs.
• Be aware of solutions and strategies that can be used to share the load or provide respite to the main carer

Lesson 8 – What to do When One Caregiver Excludes Others

This lesson examines the problematic situation of one caregiver excluding other family members. The motivation for people excluding other family members from care of the elder, including withholding information or access, is explored. The process of reporting this behaviour and proceeding through court action is discussed. 

On completion of this lesson the learner will:

• Understand the problematic nature of one caregiver excluding other family members, how to identify this behaviour, and the implications for the motivation of the caregiver.
• How to proceed legally to safeguard the elder from negative influence. 

Lesson 9 – Summary

This lesson summarizes the main themes and overall content of the course. Main takeaway points are provided. The main family disputes are recapped, alongside the most effective resolution strategies for these conflicts.

On completion of this lesson the learner will: 

• Understand the key points of the course and have sufficient knowledge to undertake the assessment test. 

Summary

This course provides learners with an in depth exploration of family conflicts that can arise when providing and arranging care for an elder with dementia. Legal, medical and social aspects are discussed. Effective solutions and conflict resolution strategies are offered. Learning is consolidated throughout with e-learning activities and opportunities for self-assessment. On completion of the course the learner will have a thorough understanding of the course material and be equipped to utilise the learning points in real world practice.