Take Time to Talk to Elders Before Making Changes

By Suzanna Smith, PhD, Department of Family, Youth, and Community Sciences, University of Florida

Reviewed by Martie Gillen, PhD, Department of Family, Youth, and Community Sciences, University of Florida

You’ve probably seen a frail elderly person in the grocery store being assisted by a family member; in spite of yourself, perhaps you’ve even gotten a bit impatient at their slower pace in line. Many older adults do at some point need help with tasks they used to do themselves.

What is it like for older adults to lose at least some control when for their entire lives, they have managed on their own?

How family caregivers handle this situation seems to be very important, according to research published in the Journal of Applied Gerontology. Interviews with almost 80 residents in assisted living settings looked at older adults’ reactions to the transfer of responsibilities to others.

Most residents explained that the amount of control they exercised in their lives had changed as their health, cognitive functioning, or social support declined. Activities like driving, managing money, and shopping had been transferred to family members, with or without consulting the older adult. However, the fact that others had control was not as important as how control had been transferred. Almost all those who had responsibilities taken away without their input reacted negatively, no matter how well-intentioned the assistance. This was especially true when caregivers made decisions that were different than what the older adult wanted.

This study reinforces what other research has found: feeling in control is important to elders’ self-esteem and well-being. Family members would do well to keep these findings in mind when transitioning older loved ones to new situations.

(Image credit: UF/IFAS file photo.)

References:

Morgan, L. A., & Brazda, M. A. (2013). Transferring control to others: Process and meaning for older adults in assisted living. Journal of Applied Gerontology, 32, 651-658. doi: 10.1177/0733464813494568.

(Originally published in a slightly different form as: Smith, S. (2013). The importance of maintaining control for older adults. [Radio broadcast episode]. Family Album Radio. Gainesville, FL: University of Florida.)