Study finds caring for an elderly parent not evenly distributed

Research conducted by the Home Instead Senior Care network found that 46% of family caregivers say their relationships with siblings have deteriorated from an unwillingness to provide help. Making decisions together, dividing the workload and teamwork are the three key factors to overcoming family conflict, according to the organization’s research.

“Senior caregiving can either bring families together or cause brother and sister conflict,” said Ingrid Connidis, Ph.D., from the University of Western Ontario. “In some cases it can do both. These issues can be very emotional.”

Family feuds often revolve around the following areas:

* Roles and rivalries dating back to childhood — Mature adults often find that they’re back in the sandbox when their family gets together. This tendency can grow even more pronounced under the strain of caregiving.
* Disagreements over an elder’s condition and capabilities — It’s common for family members to have very different ideas about what’s wrong with a loved one and what should be done about it. Take, for example, seniors and driving. You may be convinced that your family member is no longer capable of driving, while your brothers argue that he needs to maintain his independence. Your sister may not agree on the care that you and your mother have decided upon and be unwilling to assist as a result.
* Disagreements over financial matters, estate planning, family inheritance and other practical issues — How to pay for a family member’s care is often a huge cause of tension. Financial concerns can influence decisions about where the person should live, whether or not a particular medical intervention is needed, and whether he can afford a housekeeper. When aging parents need help with finances it can cause new conflicts – often fueled by ongoing resentment over income disparities and perceived inequities in the distribution of the family estate.
* Burden of care — Experts say the most common source of discord among family members occurs when the burden of caring for an elder isn’t distributed equally. “Usually one of the adult children in the family takes on most of the caregiving tasks,” says Donna Schempp, program director at the Family Caregivers Alliance. Research conducted for the Home Instead Senior Care reveals that in 43 percent of U.S. families, one sibling has the responsibility of providing most or all of the care for Mom or Dad.

Engaging parents in caregiving issues is important, Dr. Connidis said, and so are family meetings that involve a third party if necessary. A third-party resource, particularly a professional such as a doctor or or elder mediator, can provide an impartial voice of reason. “Talking before a crisis is best,” she said. “Talk to one another about perceptions of what happens if seniors need help, how available you would be, and the options that you and your family would consider.”