Good relationship with siblings

[Lynmax]

After reading many threads on here about problems with siblings, I realise how grateful I am that I get on so well with my brother and sister in helping Mum remain in her own home. We have a Whatsapp group which includes my sister who lives in the US so that she is up to date with all the issues for when she makes her bi-annual visit home. We all work together, share the workload amicably, deal with problems as they arise with whoever has the most time to help,or is best suited to sort out the problem. I am the only one of us who is retired but genuinely feel that my siblings do their fair share and that we are equally involved. I tend to take Mum to medical appointments, my sister does all the shopping and checking on domestic issues and my brother sorts out household problems and takes my Mum to home football matches! Between us, she has company four or five days a week with lots of meals out and outings.

So today we swapped numerous messages to arrange an appointment for us to discuss some financial concerns with her bank, my sister took round her shopping, changed the bed, sorted out dressings for the sores on her legs and took her out for lunch. My brother went round after work taking some food for tea and stayed for the evening. Tomorrow I am taking her out for lunch and then to the nurse to get stitches removed. All arranged without any issues!

There are no arguments between us, we know what is happening at all times through our Whatapp group and have someone to rant to when mum annoys us!

I really appreciate how difficult is must be to have "invisible siblings" or those who disagree with the care we provide. I just hope this situation continues for as long as mum needs our support.

 

[Lindy50]

Thanks @Lynmax
It's good to hear it can work out!! I'm glad you're able to work as such a team and support your mum so well.
Long may it continue
Lindy xx

 

[Amy in the US]

@Lynmax, I also wanted to thank you for your post. I'm an only child, but my husband has four siblings and a mother who will need help at some point. I appreciate knowing that siblings can work together. Thank you!!

 

[marionq]

When my mother was housebound for 15 years I could not have coped without my elder sister. She was a tower of strength. My mothers own sisters and brother were fantastically supportive too.

That is how a family should be.

 

[LadyA]

It's good to hear positive experiences! I've got eight adult step children, and they were all very supportive when I was caring for my husband, although they left all decisions about his care to me, as they said I was the one affected most.

 

[LynneMcV]

What a lovely, positive post. I am glad to hear that you are all working well together - just as it should be

 

[Sarasa]

Hi @Lynmax, it's heartening to see that things can work between siblings when caring for elderly parents. My brother, sister-in-law and I have a WhatsApp group too and it is really useful for keeping each other up to date.

 

[campervan21]

Myself and three siblings are very close and we were there to help each other when dad was ill and towards his end especially, within weeks of his passing mums health deteriorated and again for the past year we support mum in staying at home for the time being, and each other, I know I am very fortunate, it’s good to hear others do have support