When families come together to tend to the needs of a loved one, the results are often messy at best. It can be a relief to have so many different caregivers, but dividing the responsibilities often results in arguments. Old alliances and enmities can arise and, as a result, everyone suffers from more stress and a senior may experience lower quality care.
Even if brothers and sisters have starkly stubborn stances on certain issues, it's important to keep the real mission in sight.
"Even if siblings didn't get along before, it's possible to bond over the care of a parent," said senior care expert Rona Bartelstone, according to The Eerie Times-News. "Focus on the common goal. It is all about your parent."
If it's still hard to get down to business, try calling a family meeting so that everyone can come together and discuss their ideas. Consider hiring an elder care mediator who can act as an unbiased third party during the conversation.
Some families may also choose to hire home health care services, so that aides can tend to the needs of a loved one if siblings disagree over the details of the responsibility.