Video Transcript
[0:00] Welcome to Caregiver SOS by Bay Alarm Medical. My name is Haley Burress. I’m a caregiving expert here to talk about the ugly side of caregiving that no one wants to talk about — the most frustrating and challenging parts of caring for an aging family member, and how to get through it.
[0:24] Here’s another question that might sound familiar to you: “I am one of three siblings. My brother and I are the ones who pitch in financially as much as possible to support our aging parents. My sister, though, never pitches in. We’ve asked her to help out with whatever money she can, and she always says she can’t afford it, but I know they make good money. Why won’t she help?”
[0:48] Finances are tricky, especially when it comes to supporting aging parents. Your sister might not be able to financially contribute at this time. And while you might know they make money, you might not know how they are stashing away for their children’s colleges, or what they’re currently spending to pay down their own debt, pay for extracurricular activities for their kids, or other obligations.
[0:56] Instead of asking for financial help, perhaps ask her to help in other ways. Can she spend time helping out with your parents at their house, or by organizing things from afar? Her time contributions can be just as valuable as financial support, and it might be something that she is more comfortable with.
[1:26] You can also gather for a shame-free meeting with your brother and sister just to ask what everyone is comfortable with. Everyone gets a say in how they contribute their time, energy, and money to your parents. Don’t judge what everyone can offer. Instead, accept those boundaries and work within them.
[1:55] If you’ve experienced this, share your story in the comments, we read every one.
[2:07] And don’t forget to like and subscribe for more caregiving advice.
