Care for an aging parent is a common source of argument between siblings. Each sibling may think they know what is best when it comes to making big family decisions like how much work each person should do, how much money should be spent, where a parent should reside, and so on. Although obviously not everyone is always correct.
While witnessing a parent’s deteriorating health might be upsetting, it should not lead to family disagreements. Here are some of the most typical sibling disputes over elderly parent that might happen in a family, as well as suggestions for how to resolve them.
Sibling Disputes Over Elderly Parent’s Care
Caring for an elderly or disabled parent is not necessarily viewed in the same manner by adult siblings. While one sibling may think their parent is handling things at home just fine, another may believe the parent could use some assistance. This happens frequently when members of the family live far apart or spend varying amounts of time with the elderly parent.
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Consult a Professional
Issues are often better tackled with the support of an outsider’s perspective. Set up a home safety assessment with a senior care professional or therapist. If your parent has been showing signs of health decline or is experiencing new physical difficulties, it is important to bring this up with their primary care physician.
Professional clarity can clarify subsequent steps and prevent sibling disputes over the appropriate level of care needed.
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Research Available Care Options
Next, you will need to figure out who will offer the care once you have established what those needs are. Senior living professionals with years of expertise assisting families in finding the best senior care options in the United States can help match residents’ individual requirements and preferences with local retirement communities.
If your family member chooses to stay in their own home, you and your siblings can help in many ways. Read about the top 10 responsibilities of a senior caregiver if you or another sibling are considering taking on full-time caregiving.
Only a Single Child is Involved
In many families, the sibling who lives closest to their elderly parent or who has the strongest emotional ties takes on the primary duty of caregiving. The primary caregiver may experience feelings of isolation, loneliness, and resentment when other family members do not offer to help.
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Communicate Needs
However, loved ones who live far away may not realize how challenging caregiving has become. Due to factors within a given family, one member may frequently be forced into the position of primary caregiver.
Siblings may be unable to provide in-person support if they live far away or if they and the parent did not have a close relationship. However, distant family members can still provide support in the form of money, transport, food, and emotional support.
With the right amount of funding, a family caregiver can get a break from their demanding caregiving responsibilities by receiving occasional respite care. The additional service can bridge the gap of caregiving which helps ensure the well-being of the older adult will be taken care of.
