Caregiver in Deerfield Beach
When siblings are willing to help care for an aging parent or loved one, your workload should be much more manageable, right? As much as other family members may want to rally together to give your older parents the care they need and deserve, disagreements over what your elder parent needs could make caregiving a much more stressful experience for both of you. Understanding the tensions behind sibling rivalry and knowing how to work together for the sake of your loved one will make the responsibilities and stress level much lower.
Why Siblings Disagree
Sibling rivalry has occurred at various life stages, from childhood to full grown adulthood. When our parents go from being healthy to needing around-the-clock care, it can take a toll on our emotions. Common emotions that may occur include sadness, anger, anxiety, or guilt over watching the parents that took care of us now needing care themselves. These feelings become even more intense when the elder who is receiving in-home care has been diagnosed with other health conditions, such as dementia or cancer. There is no handbook that tells siblings how to work together as caregivers; it is something that takes time to successfully do. While you and your other family members may disagree over responsibilities or the care your loved one needs, there is one common goal you both have – to support your parents and make sure they get the help they need.
How to Work Together
With more than one person aiding in the elder care of an aging parent, it can be difficult deciding who should take on what responsibilities. One sibling may need to be the primary caregiver because they do not have a job or have more time to care for mom or dad, which also means they will take on more responsibilities. There are some ways that family members can cooperate with each other to make sure all of the responsibilities of their aging loved one is being taken care of.
- Talk about the workload: Before beginning caregiving duties, it is important to discuss who will take care of what. For example, discuss who will take care of the finances, who will help with the everyday tasks (including cleaning, cooking, bathing, etc.), and any other responsibilities that will needed to be delegated among the siblings. Never assume someone else is handling a certain task because these assumptions could lead to disaster if no one is handling it.
- Do not let disagreements get in the way of elder care for your parent: Even though you are all grown up and have matured quite a bit since the last time you lived under the same roof as your sister or brother, they can still find a way to get on your last nerve. Conflicts among family members are common, but those angry or hurt feelings should not get in the way of your parent’s care.
- Accept other’s suggestions: It is easy to assume your sibling is always wrong, will you are always right. Learn how to be open-minded to the suggestions of your family members because they may surprise you with an idea you would have never thought of.
- Be clear about what you want: Let your siblings know what you would like from them, as well as what you will bring to the table. Also, ask what it is your family members want from you.
Working with family is never easy, but when it comes to the care of an aging parent, it is time to learn how to listen to one another and help each other out for the well-being of your loved one.
If you or a family member near Deerfield Beach, FL are in need of caregiver services, call the caring professionals at Star Multi Care today at (954) 870-4770. Providing Service in Ft. Lauderdale, Boca Raton, Pompano Beach, Delray Beach, Coconut Creek, Taramac, Margate, and surrounding Florida cities.
Source
Family Caregiver Alliance. “Caregiving With Your Siblings.”
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