Dementia and Alzheimer’s don’t just affect those who suffer from the disease, but their families as well. A recent article by Associated Press writer Carla Johnson, “Eldercare Choices Revive Sibling Fights,” calls attention to the tensions that family members can experience when trying to do the best for their loved ones.
The article explained that nearly 20 million adults in the United States provide care for an older family member, such as a parent or in-law, and many of these individuals are not alone. Tough decisions need to be made with siblings who sometimes resort to squabbling – much as they probably did when growing up.
Johnson article describes one situation with three siblings who were trying to sort the possessions of their mother, who was moving into an assisted living facility. The brother became frustrated with his two sisters when they took time to reminisce while he wanted to complete the job and move on to the next responsibility.
Researchers warn that these familial fights can inhibit your ability to make the best decision for your parent or loved one. Families need to communicate and solve their problems in order to work together.
Though few and far between as yet, there are a growing number of professional mediators that can assist with the family tensions that go along with eldercare. Companies like Elder Decisions, in Lexington, Massachusetts, work with family members to find a common ground, deal with their individual issues, and ultimately, make good decision for their family members.
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