Sibling Issues in Caregiving

Issues between siblings often seem to come to a head when a parent begins requiring care. Use these pointers to improve your communication, minimize dysfunction and recognize when it’s time to set boundaries.

It can be disheartening when you reach out to siblings for help and support, but they only offer up excuses. Take an objective look at their reasons for staying at arm’s length and learn how you can get everyone on the same page.

My elderly mother has dementia. How do I get my siblings to stop fighting me about moving mom to assisted living? We are at a standstill.

While MIA siblings are the overwhelming norm, some families have very different experiences. This article offers a glimpse into another perspective on caregiving: that oft maligned long-distance siblings may actually be excluded by primary caregivers.

Caregiving duties often fall to just one adult child. Use these communication techniques to convey the gravity of this responsibility and convince your siblings to lend a hand.

Relationships are often strained when a serious illness and caregiving enter the picture. If your interactions with family members are increasingly stressful and negative, it may be time to stand up for yourself and set some boundaries.

My youngest sister died at the age of 63. The diagnosis - lung cancer. Sally did not get cancer from smoking; she got it from radon.

A family caregiver explores how she let go of anger, resentment and jealousy toward her siblings that was damaging her family relationships and hindering her ability to care for her aging parents.

Patty Andrews, the last member of the singing group, the Andrews Sisters, has died. Her unresolved conflict with her sisters offers a lesson in why you should always forgive your siblings.

Why are some siblings in denial about a parent's decline? They might not want to face the fact their parent is getting old and going to die. They might not want to get involved in caregiving. They may have other problems in life that are taking precedent.

Caregivers know the elder they are caring for is used to the way they do things and will be upset by change, yet they desperately need a break from their duties.

When siblings can’t agree on an elderly parent’s care needs, it might be time to bring in an objective third party to help resolve differences.

When siblings begin emphasizing cost reduction and the provision of unpaid care, primary caregivers often reach a sad realization: these family members aren’t interested in what is best for their parents or even what is fair to them as carers.

My only sibling, my older brother, only lived a half-hour away from Mom & Dad and I lived over 400 miles, yet I was the one who gave up my life for a year to go take care for them… but… I’m not bitter about it!

Amy Grant, the best-selling Christian music performer in history, shares how she and her family find solace while witnessing the decline of two parents with dementia.

New research shows that unhelpful stepfamily members can increase caregiver stress astronomically. Here are some tips for keeping the peace during difficult discussions.

Power of attorney forms are a crucial part of planning for future health care needs and financial decisions, but it is important to understand how these legal documents can be drafted and the effects they can have on family relationships.

Most seniors can’t cover the monthly costs of assisted living on their own. How do families decide whether adult children should financially contribute to their parents' care, and, if they do, who pays how much?

Caregivers often don't ask family members for the help they need, for fear of conflict. Here's how to get them to help you with your elderly mother and father and maintain the peace.

Sometimes family members come to holiday get-togethers bearing more than just gifts. Learn how to keep the peace and avoid family drama this year.