Caring for an aging parent is a rewarding responsibility but can feel stressful and demanding, especially without ample support.
When siblings have a similar approach, it becomes easier to navigate through any challenge. For the wellbeing of your parents, as a team of siblings, it’s beneficial to think about:
- Open Communication
- Conflict Resolution
- Self-care
- Choosing a Primary Caregiver
- Dividing Responsibilities
- Managing Finances and Legal Considerations
With the right approach, you can foster a supportive environment that not only benefits your parents but also strengthens family bonds.
Foster a Supportive Environment
Before developing a plan that’s compatible with the inner workings of your family, it’s helpful to navigate, nurture, and strengthen the bonds between siblings by discussing:
- Communication
- Conflict resolution
- Self-care
A well-functioning team directly impacts the health and well-being of a loved one which is why being on the same page for their caregiving needs is necessary.
Open Communication
Creating a nurturing and supportive environment is crucial for both caregivers and those receiving care and open communication is the foundation of this concept.
Clear communication helps prevent misunderstandings and resentment, which can build up over time if not addressed healthily and productively.
This includes discussing your parents’ health needs and preferences to confirm that everyone is on the same page. As siblings, it’s helpful to discuss everyone’s strengths, boundaries, and areas of improvement.
Conflict Resolution
Differing opinions, emotions, and ways of doing things are inevitable, but it’s essential to address any disagreements constructively. Open and honest communication is key.
Setting aside time for regular family meetings can help siblings voice concerns, share updates, and find solutions collaboratively.
Remember, the goal is to prioritize your parents’ well-being while respecting each other’s perspectives.
Self-care
Taking time to care for your physical and emotional well-being confirms you remain resilient and capable of providing quality care. As siblings, implementing self-care strategies can help reduce any unnecessary tension, strengthen bonds, and encourage fun.
Incorporating self-care strategies through activities like exercise, hobbies, or relaxation helps prevent caregiver burnout, allowing you to support your loved ones effectively.
Develop a Plan
Developing a plan to approach your loved ones’ care helps manage responsibilities and reduce feelings of stress.
Since every family dynamic is unique, there’s no one-size-fits-all framework. Instead, focus on crafting a plan that addresses your family’s specific needs and situations.
Some factors to cover in this plan include:
- Identifying a primary caregiver
- Dividing responsibilities
- Financial and legal considerations
Primary Caregiver
One of the first steps is identifying a primary caregiver who will serve as the main point of contact for coordinating care and communicating with healthcare professionals.
Despite having a primary caregiver, as siblings it’s critical to support them to prevent stress. Balancing the workload to incorporate everyone’s strengths and abilities helps alleviate responsibilities and allows everyone to contribute to the caregiving process.
Keeping a binder or online document of your parent’s health history, medication, appointments, and preferences is a great way to keep everyone updated.
As siblings, some questions to consider as a primary caregiver may include:
- What decisions is the primary caregiver responsible for making?
- What level of care does your parent require? Are they still relatively independent or do they require support with daily activities?
Dividing Responsibilities
This process begins with a clear understanding of your parents’ needs, which includes their medical conditions, daily routines, and personal preferences.
As siblings, it’s vital to discuss and coordinate these responsibilities based on several factors:
- Skills and strengths: Determine each sibling’s unique skills and strengths that can be leveraged in caregiving. For example, a sibling well versed in financial literacy may manage bills and budgeting while another may be very patient and understanding.
- Proximity and availability: Siblings who live closer to their parents or have more flexible schedules may take on tasks such as daily check-ins, emergency responses, or transport. Those living farther away can contribute by managing remote tasks.
- Interests and preferences: Consider each sibling’s interests which can lead to more engaged caregiving. For instance, if one sibling enjoys cooking, they can prepare meals.
- Time and work commitments: Evaluate how each sibling’s work and personal commitments influence their availability. It’s vital to respect these boundaries to prevent overburdening any individual, helping to maintain a long-term sustainable caregiving arrangement.
Keep in mind that the needs of your parents and the circumstances of your siblings may change, and open discussions and regularly assessing the workload help manage these shifts. Be prepared to adjust and be flexible to keep a functional caregiving team.
Managing Finances & Legal Matters
Managing the finances and legal matters of your parents is vital to confirm their resources are properly managed and their wishes are respected. Depending on the level of care your loved one requires, this responsibility may include:
- Financial management: Organize and handle your parents’ financial affairs transparently. This often begins with a comprehensive understanding of their income sources, expenditures, savings, and any existing debts to help budget, save, and track expenses.
- Power of attorney (POA): Have a discussion with your parents about whether they’d like to appoint a POA, who is responsible for making financial or healthcare decisions on your parent’s behalf, if necessary.
- Estate planning: Comprehensive estate planning helps manage assets and alleviate the burden of decision-making during challenging times. It typically involves drafting a will, understanding tax implications, and determining asset distribution among heirs.
Exploring Additional Support
Additional support can come in many forms, from friends or extended family to professional long-term care. The key is finding the option most suitable for your parents’ care requirements and family dynamics.
Senior living communities come in many forms, from independent living to assisted living, and memory care, all aiming to improve or maintain the quality of life and wellness of their residents.
Connect with our team at Round Lake Senior Living to explore our community options to find the one that’s most compatible with your loved one.
