As children, siblings go through a range of experiences and emotional journeys together. Threaded in with the joys of growing up together are issues such as sibling rivalry, jealousy, and basic differences in personality types. Sibling dynamics can be complicated when we’re young, and sometimes those dynamics carry through into adulthood.
As a result, family caregiving with siblings can be challenging. Each person has his or her own opinions, and when those opinions clash, it’s not always easy to come to a resolution that pleases everyone. Holding regular family meetings with specific parameters in place can be helpful. Try these tips from our Florida senior care experts at American, Advocate, Douglas and Whitsyms In-Home Care for successful family meetings – leading to more effective family caregiving.
- Where should you meet? Comfort is key, whether that means meeting in someone’s home, or a neutral location – a coffee shop, restaurant, park, library meeting room, etc. Choose a meeting space that is comfortable and one that has limited distractions and noise. If you can’t meet in person, utilize a platform such as Zoom to meet remotely.
- How should you begin? Before the first meeting, create an agenda, with each sibling’s input on what should be discussed. Share a copy in advance with everyone, and agree to follow the agenda, shelving any additional items that may arise until the next meeting.
- What rules should be in place? This will differ for each family, but in general, should include guidelines such as allowing each person the chance to be heard without judgment, using respectful language, and making it a safe place to openly share thoughts and feelings. And if you’re meeting remotely, it’s important to keep in mind that people often behave differently than when meeting in person, and to structure guidelines accordingly.
- What if you can’t agree? Compromise is key, as there often will be no one-size-fits-all solution to the issues being addressed. Agree to disagree at times, knowing that at the heart of the conversation is making life the best it can be for an elderly parent.
- What happens next? Document any decisions made during the meeting and share with each sibling so that everyone is on the same page. It’s also a good idea to schedule the next meeting while you’re all together, to adhere to a schedule of regular, ongoing conversations.
Know that throughout the challenges of providing care for an elderly parent, American, Advocate, Douglas and Whitsyms In-Home Care’s professional referred care providers are on hand to serve as your partner in care, allowing you the opportunity to step away from caregiving tasks while knowing your parent is receiving high quality care.
To find out more about the many ways we can help, click on the location below that is nearest to you for additional information:
- American In-Home Care – Serving North, Central, and West Coast of Florida
- Advocate In-Home Care – Serving Southeast and Southwest Florida
- Douglas In-Home Care – Serving Treasure Coast
- Whitsyms In-Home Care – Serving Southeast and Southwest Florida
Reach out to us today to discover how Florida’s best referred care providers are helping seniors – and the families who love them – enjoy life to the fullest with exceptional in-home care services.
State of Florida License and Registration Numbers: 30211518, 30211651, 30211295, 30211390, 30210978, 30211293, 30211382, 30211504, 30211733, 30211535, 30211531, 30211710, 30211709, 30211045, 5661
