Senior couple with their three daughters on a bridge. Couple de seniors avec leurs trois filles sur un pont

Caring for Aging Parents with Siblings

Your guide for advice on caring for aging parents with siblings from Dr. Amy.

Preview pages of Caring for Aging Parents with Siblings

  • We understand that speaking to your siblings about your aging parents can be difficult at times, as siblings can disagree about how to help their loved ones adjust to health changes or big life transitions. So how do you approach getting on the same page with your family? In Chartwell’s “Caring for Aging Parents with Our Siblings” Guide, authored by Dr. Amy D’Aprix”, the gerontological social worker with over 30 years' experience provides expert tips and advice about managing some common sibling-related issues.

  • Senior women are reading writings on a drug bottle / Des femmes âgées lisent des écrits sur un flacon de médicaments

  • What’s inside our guide?

    Download our comprehensive guide by filling out the form today for expert advice on how to have a successful conversation with your family when it comes to your loved one’s well-being. Inside, you’ll discover how to:

    1. Get on the same page as your siblings

    Discover Dr. Amy’s valuable conversation techniques that can help you achieve family harmony for the benefit of your aging loved ones. One of the techniques she discusses is shifting the conversation from positions to interests, which can lead to mutually agreeable solutions.

  • 2. Involve your siblings

    Read our guide to discover three steps on how to involve your siblings in the caregiving of your parents so you receive the help you need as their primary caregiver:

    • Examine why your siblings aren’t helping out
    • Share the full picture with your family
    • Have proactive discussions about everyone’s responsibilities

    3. Engage long-distance siblings in caregiving

    Discover practical ways to involve your long-distance siblings in caring for aging parents with Dr. Amy’s expert advice. From leveraging technology to assigning specific care tasks, this section provides tips for achieving family harmony while ensuring that all family members are involved in the caregiving process.

    4. What should I do if my siblings won’t help?

    It’s common for siblings to disagree on matters like how best to support an aging parent, but sometimes brothers and sisters can also differ on how involved they are with the caregiving of their parents. Dr. Amy offers valuable advice on how to navigate these difficult conversations and manage conflicts that may arise, such as:

    • Identifying each sibling’s strengths and weaknesses and delegating tasks accordingly
    • Seek outside help, such as from a mediator or a therapist, if necessary
    • Keep the focus on the well-being of your parents and keep their wishes and preferences in mind throughout the process