Give pats on the backs: Differences among siblings in opinions and caregiving performances can lead to derisive finger-pointing. But nothing could be more detrimental to the workings of the sibling caregiver team. Instead, siblings should seek every opportunity to praise one another for what each is doing for their ailing parent. It’s that kind of positive reinforcement and mutual high regard that encourages greater self-sacrifice for the caregiving effort, as well as promoting more harmonious relations among brothers and sisters during caregiving and afterwards.
Grieve together: One of the great advantages for sibling caregivers is that they can support one emotionally. Initially, this will take place with the anguish of watching their beloved parent decline. Later on, they can grieve together, arm in arm at the cemetery, after their Mom or Dad eventually dies. In the years ahead, they will share stories of their parent at holiday gatherings, keeping favorite memories and a sense of family cohesion alive. In this way, siblings can comfort each other. They may come to cherish one another all the more for the good work they did together in caring for their parent.
www.emotionalsurvivalguide.com
