Conflicts can arise when caring for an elderly parent, and disagreements can be caused by anything from the handling of finances to the level of care being provided. During a conflict a family member can become angry or someone’s feelings can get hurt. Siblings can try to prevent negative situations from arising in the following ways. 

1. Avoid Resentment

In some families, a parent may have always favored a particular child. As an adult, that child may assume the role of caregiver. However, if one child takes on all or most of the caregiving responsibilities, he or she may become overwhelmed and experience burnout, which could cause resentment toward the other siblings.

If you are the primary family caregiver for an elderly loved one and need additional assistance providing high-quality senior home care, Burlington Home Care Assistance can help. We are a leading home care agency committed to changing the way seniors age.

When a senior needs assistance, all the children should meet and discuss ways to handle the situation. A favorite child could play the key caregiving role. Siblings who are not the primary caregiver can help by doing some of the shopping or by accompanying the parent to appointments. All the children could collectively share the financial responsibility of caregiving for the older relative.

2. Work as a Team

Siblings often have a pecking order that develops early in childhood. Sometimes individuals can develop differences with their siblings because of a number of factors like birth order, personality, personal success, or even gender. However, when senior parents need assistance from their children, childhood differences must be put aside. Siblings should respect each other’s individuality, talents, and availability and discuss how each can best serve the parent and help as a caregiver. 

3. Strengthen Family Bonds

Caring for a parent need not create division within the family. Siblings can see the situation as a chance to bring family members closer together. They should put differences and egos aside and make the parent a priority. When opinions differ, siblings should discuss the matter and come to an agreement that suits everyone. Looking after an aging parent helps strengthen the bond between the family members.

The primary caregiver could try respite care as a caregiving option when other family members are not available. There are a variety of reasons family caregivers should consider respite care. Burlington, VT, families often have additional responsibilities that make it more challenging to provide the care their senior loved ones need and deserve. A professional respite caregiver can take over your important caregiving duties, allowing you more time to focus on yourself.

4. Share Caregiving Duties

If you are the primary caregiver and find yourself overwhelmed with home, work, and caring for a parent, be honest with other family members. Do not be afraid to ask for help. Do not expect siblings to fully understand your daily routine as you go about your caregiving duties, unless they are directly involved in the situation. On the other hand, if you are a sibling who is not providing care, consider how you might be able to do more to help. Ask your siblings how you could help them lighten their load. Let your sister or brother know you are available if the need arises. If things seem to be under control, you could plan something special for the other family caregivers to show your appreciation. 

Sometimes it can be challenging for family members to find the time for caregiving duties. In these cases, the siblings may want to consider hiring a professional caregiver. Find out how a Burlington, VT, caregiver can help your senior loved one enjoy a higher quality of life by reaching out to Home Care Assistance. All of our professional respite and live-in caregivers are trained in comprehensive Alzheimer’s, dementia, Parkinson’s, and stroke care, and they can also assist seniors with basic daily tasks like exercise, cooking, bathing, and light housekeeping. For more information on our high-quality senior care, call one of our qualified Care Managers at [hca_phone] today.

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