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Kevin Knaup
Kevin Knaup received his Kansas Adult Care Home Administrator's license in 1983 and is the Administrator and part owner of Sunset Manor, Inc. in Frontenac, KS. He has been employed at Sunset Manor for 31 years. He is a member of Kansas Health Care Association and Kansas Adult Care Executives. He has served on various local and state committees for education and training in the Adult Care home field.
Senior Living
2012-11-07 11:15:14
How can I help solve social strains?
Q- I am responsible for helping to care for a long-time family friend that has no living relatives. Recently he had to be transitioned to an assisted living home but things are not going well at all. He is having trouble getting along with one particular resident who seems to resent his presence. I am not sure how the conflict started, only that it seems to be over nothing more than things as simple as where they sit in the community room and things of that nature. Any help would be appreciated.
A- The early days of any housing arrangement can be difficult—especially a communal one. Having some issues in the adjustment period is normal especially when you think about the situation as a whole where you have many personalities in one place, all at various stages of adjustment and life changes. When people are adjusting from living alone to living with a group, there are bound to be some conflicts, ranging from small misunderstandings to full-fledged flare-ups, along the way. Generally, they are the same kinds of issues that would arise for a group of any age that would live communally, such as space, recognition, attention, and dominance. I would suggest hearing him out to find out the real root of the problem, and then I would spend some time brainstorming with him to find some solutions. Talk to the staff and gain their help and perspective. Once staff is aware of the problem, they can help guide the situation and help your friend navigate the tricky waters. Another thing I would do is help him get involved. While he may not get along with every resident, he will get along with many, if not most. Help him connect to the clubs, social circles, and activities that interest him most. In most cases, it just takes time to figure out the needs of others and time to develop a social group. Once that happens, it is easy to avoid problem areas.
 
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