Did you know that over 80% of long-term care for elderly individuals in the U.S. is provided by family members? Among these caregivers, siblings often play a vital yet overlooked role. While the focus frequently falls on primary caregivers, such as adult children or spouses, siblings who step up to provide care, taking on the role of forgotten caregivers, deserve equal attention and support. In the field of geriatric care management, even when our practice is highly person-centered, we tend to work with the entire family and are in a unique position to understand and relay to you the unique challenges sibling caregivers face and how families can rally together to make the caregiving journey a shared, sustainable effort.
Understanding the Role of Sibling Caregivers
Sibling caregivers typically fall into one of three categories:
The Primary Caregiver: This sibling takes on the lion’s share of responsibilities, from medical appointments to financial management.
The Supportive Caregiver: This sibling assists periodically, often balancing caregiving with other obligations, such as work or raising children.
The Long-Distance Caregiver: This sibling may live far away but provides emotional support, coordinates care, or contributes financially.
Each role comes with its own challenges, including time constraints, emotional strain, and even potential sibling rivalry. Recognizing these dynamics is the first step in fostering a supportive caregiving environment.
Challenges Faced by Sibling Caregivers
Emotional Stress: Caring for an aging parent or loved one is emotionally taxing, especially when combined with family tensions. The pressure to meet expectations—whether self-imposed or from others—can lead to burnout.
Financial Strain: Many caregivers dip into their own savings or cut back on work hours to provide care, often with little financial compensation or acknowledgment.
Role Imbalance: Unequal caregiving roles among siblings can lead to feelings of resentment or guilt. The primary caregiver may feel unsupported, while other siblings may feel excluded or criticized for not doing enough.
Strategies for Supporting Sibling Caregivers
1. Open and Honest Communication
Effective caregiving begins with clear communication among siblings. Here are some practical tips:
Schedule regular family meetings to discuss caregiving responsibilities and updates.
Use tools like shared calendars or apps (e.g., Care.com or Lotsa Helping Hands) to organize tasks and track schedules.
Encourage each sibling to voice their feelings and concerns without judgment.
2. Divide Responsibilities Fairly
Caregiving isn’t a one-size-fits-all role. To ensure a balanced workload:
Match tasks with individual strengths. For instance, a financially savvy sibling could handle bills, while another with medical knowledge could oversee health-related decisions.
Create a written plan outlining each sibling’s responsibilities. This minimizes misunderstandings and holds everyone accountable.
3. Leverage External Resources
Caregiving doesn’t have to be a solo endeavor. Families can:
Onboard a geriatric care manager to assess the elderly family member’s immediate and long-term needs and formulate a practical plan dividing up the work and taking tasks off of family caregivers’ plates to make things more manageable.
Hire professional caregivers for respite care to lighten the load on siblings.
Seek support from local organizations, such as eldercare agencies or community centers, which often offer free or low-cost resources.
4. Foster Emotional Support
Recognize and validate the efforts of all siblings involved in caregiving. Simple gestures—a heartfelt thank-you, a supportive text, or even a group outing—can strengthen familial bonds and boost morale.
Life Hacks for Caregiving Families
Rotate Visits: If possible, siblings can take turns spending weekends or evenings with their elderly loved one. This approach provides consistent care while preventing burnout for any one caregiver.
Technology to the Rescue: Set up video calls for siblings who can’t be there physically but want to stay involved in discussions or connect with their loved one.
Shared Expenses: Open a joint account for caregiving-related expenses. This ensures transparency and alleviates financial burdens on the primary caregiver.
Did You Know?
In our experience, caregivers who share responsibilities experience less stress and are more likely to sustain caregiving over time. Collaboration doesn’t just benefit the caregiver; it improves the quality of care for the elderly loved one as well.
Moving Forward as a Team
Families that work together can turn caregiving from a source of stress into an opportunity for connection and growth. By communicating openly, dividing tasks fairly, and leveraging available resources, siblings can create a caregiving environment where everyone’s contributions are valued.
Supporting sibling caregivers is about more than just easing the workload—it’s about honoring the shared love and commitment that brings families together. When siblings collaborate effectively, they not only provide better care but also strengthen their family bonds in the process.
If you would like some guidance or personalized advice about elderly care, our team is available for free consultations, which can be booked through our website. Click here to contact us.
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