As your parent ages, it can be tricky to navigate transitions with your adult siblings. You will need to decide who is the primary caregiver, who is available for transportation, and what the protocols are in the event of an emergency. All of these details can become overwhelming, sparking conflict among your siblings. The following are some basic tips to diffuse tense situations and handle your parent’s care without hard feelings.

How to Reduce Sibling Conflict Over Your Parent’s Care

1. Hold Meetings

While it might feel too formal, scheduling time to discuss your parent’s care can be helpful. Meet with your siblings over dinner or coffee as a routine check-in. Give everyone a chance to bring up concerns and discuss their current availability. These meetings can be a good opportunity to support each other through any emotional times. 

2. Divide Tasks

Even if you are your parent’s primary caregiver, you don’t have to do everything on your own. Ask your siblings to handle specific tasks for you. Be direct and empathetic, avoiding any passive aggression. These tasks might include weekly trips to the grocery store or monthly trips to the hair salon. You might also ask one of your siblings to simply spend time with your parent on a Saturday to give you some rest. 

3. Practice Active Listening

When conflict arises over your parent’s care or their future arrangements, take the time to speak with your sibling. Ask them why they are upset and listen patiently. Remember that you can diffuse the situation by staying calm. By actively listening and responding thoughtfully, you can work together to create a new solution to the problem. 

4. Hire a Caregiver

If your parent’s care is a constant source of conflict for your siblings, it might be time to hire someone to handle the job. An in-home caregiver can provide services ranging from nursing visits to companion care. When you know that your parent’s basic needs are covered on a daily basis, you can release some stress and enjoy quality time with your family. 

If you’re interested in hiring a caregiver for your aging loved one, the team at Deer Valley Home Health Services provides a wide range of home health care. These professionals have been serving Berkley, St. Charles, and St. Louis, MO, since 2005, providing compassionate care that fits your family’s needs. Whether your loved one is disabled or needs assistance with everyday tasks like cooking, a home health care worker can offer your family some peace of mind. To learn more about their services, visit them online or call (314) 355-3679 today.