We see you; we care about you and we’re here to help! Caregiving provided by sibling groups brings a host of circumstances to be considered by those providing the care as well as those receiving it. “Caregiving with Your Siblings” by Francine Russo which is found on the website of the Family Caregiver Alliance at the link below, identifies the potential for additional complications of providing care when multiple people are involved.
Identifying family dynamics that can impact caregiving, determining ways that siblings can help, how to increase your chances of getting that help and how to deal with emotions that arise can be explored by considering the following: Why Sibling Tensions Can Erupt as Parents Need Care
Watching our parents’ age and requiring care can be difficult and each of us may handle it differently. The feelings that this transition brings require compassion for yourself and your siblings. As a Family, Carefully Consider or Reconsider the Caregiving Responsibilities
A family meeting, which includes a trusted outside facilitator, is an ideal starting point for discussion of responsibilities. This allows an opportunity for roles to be discussed rather than assumed. Think About Family Roles When You Were Growing Up and How You Can Change Them for Caregiving
Realizing that you and your siblings are not the same people now that you were as children will help to expand the roles that each person assumes. Identifying the strengths of the adult versions of each caregiver will benefit the group and your parents. Try to Separate Your Parent’s Needs from Your Own and Yesterday’s Battles from Today’s Decisions
It’s natural to want to feel loved by our parents and we may try to achieve that by being the “best” caregiver which may include becoming overburdened. Remember that your siblings may feel the same way and realize that it’s okay to share responsibilities. The goal is for your parents to be well-cared for.
For more information including:
· Clues That You Are Acting out of Emotional Needs or Fighting Old Battles and
· Tips for Winning More Support from Your Siblings
Please visit https://www.caregiver.org/resource/caregiving-with-your-siblings/
Source: Family Caregiver Alliance
Aging Ahead’s Community Options Specialists are here to help! We’re available to assist you with assessing available resources and supporting you through next steps at the numbers below:
St. Louis County: 636-207-0847
Jefferson County 636-253-0558
St. Charles County: 636-579-0555
Franklin County 636-629-3143
Or by calling 1-800-243-6060
Comments 8
Mildred Perry
Great information for caregiving siblings. This info can be shared with my family and friends.
Daphne Phillips
As a caregiver, who had siblings, it was a bitch! My parent valued her older children, but it’s the younger who is needed. Many expletives can be used. 🙂
Eva Fox
Great information to know and start preparing forbefore the take action time arrive. Thank you.
Carlyn Webber
Sometimes the sibling interaction can get to be such a problem I try to do whatever is needed for myself or do without!! Sibling caregivers don’t always work.
Janet Ward
The informaton very helpful.
Brenda Morgan
Thank you very good information.
Donna W
I believe my children will work well together, but this is food for thought.
redie
very good reading