Getting your siblings to pitch in around the home is necessary, especially as your senior parent’s needs increase. Ask your brother or sister to step in and develop a schedule that works for everyone. Taking on the caregiver role without any help could put your physical and mental health in danger. Here are some tips you can use to get your siblings to help out with caregiving duties.
Speak Up
Just because you assumed the family caregiver role doesn’t mean your siblings will do the same. They may be content with having you as the primary caregiver for your loved one. To get the assistance you need, it’s necessary to speak up and ask for help. If your siblings aren’t with you and your loved one every day, it may be difficult for them to understand just how much you do. Your siblings may assume you have everything under control, which is why you need to speak up and delegate tasks to them. Don’t expect your brother or sister to read your mind.
If you’re the primary family caregiver for an elderly loved one and need additional assistance providing high-quality home care, Assisting Hands Home Care Portland can help. Our dedicated and compassionate caregivers are committed to helping older adults address their health issues and enjoy a higher quality of life in the golden years.
Create Long-Distance Tasks
Siblings who live far away may not be able to help their parents much. For example, it would be difficult for your brother to pick up prescriptions and meals for your mother if he lives in another state. However, there are other caregiving tasks you can assign to your brother, regardless of where he lives. Some of the things long-distance siblings can help out with include balancing a budget, paying monthly bills, and providing companionship via mobile devices or the internet. Your siblings can also make plans to visit your parent, giving you the opportunity to take weekend trips or extended time off.
Be Respectful
You and your siblings are likely to have different strengths when it comes to caregiving. For instance, you may be great with your loved one’s physical activities, while your siblings are better with finances, meal prep, and medical research. It’s important for you all to recognize each other’s strengths and take on tasks accordingly. Always show each other respect and avoid confrontations, especially when your loved one is near. Praise each other’s hard work and dedication. Remember caregiving is a team effort and working together is beneficial for your loved one.
Seniors can face a variety of age-related challenges. Though some families choose to take on the caregiving duties, there may come a time when they need a trusted Portland in-home care provider. Families sometimes need respite from their duties so they can focus on their other responsibilities, and some seniors need around-the-clock assistance that their families are not able to provide. Assisting Hands Home Care is here to help.
Use Respite Care
When you’ve exhausted every option to get your siblings to help out more, consider hiring a professional caregiver. If your parent is able to do most daily tasks without assistance, you can use respite care when needed. Check with your loved one’s insurance provider to see if this type of assistance is covered. If not, you can ask your siblings to help with the costs.
Whether you need respite from your caregiving duties or your aging loved one needs more extensive senior home care, Portland, OR, Assisting Hands Home Care can meet your family’s care needs. Our dedicated caregivers are available around the clock to provide transportation to doctor’s appointments, ensure seniors take their prescribed medications, and help with a variety of tasks in and outside the home. Call us at (503) 664-7934 to learn about our comprehensive in-home care plans.