I'm so angry at how Mom fawns over my brother, the superhero who swoops in, while I do the grunt work of caregiving.
By Carol O'Dell, Caring.com contributing editor
Last updated:
May 11, 2009
gtrb
said...
I have 4 siblings who basically
rely on me to take care of mom who lives with me. I have done ALL the things you suggested as well as confronting her & my brother-who-hung-the-moon & lives 700 mi away about her giving him an open charge card. Nothing has chgd. I think you're right to say that there's no benefit in carrying around anger/resentment. I also think that mothers, in general, need to be aware of their tendency to indulge their male children. Its unhealthy & seems to get worse the older everyone gets. Having children myself, I've been very aware of this while raising them.
cardsblossom
said...
A good family mediator or counselor
could listen to everyone's views and help facilitate communication between the siblings and help create a plan for mom's care. I also would suggest a respite, a break or vacation for the daughter - a change to rejuvenate can works miracles.
An anonymous caregiver
said...
I am the beneficiary in a similar
situation. I am fortunate to have these two who want to care for me. Of course there are times when each feels the other isn't doing his/her share, their schedules conflict, or they simply feel under-appreciated. These are the same sort of things that occurred when they were children; they haven't changed who they are. He has provided a home & tries to keep it up; she'll give him a hand when its feasible. She does everything for me from personal care to taking care of the household; he comes at times to take over, when she needs a break. My biggest fear is that one or both will suffer burnout. At the present time, I don't have to worry about meals, clean clothes, transportation, getting meds as ordered, or anything else. If they get angry with each other occasionally, I hope they let each other know, so they can work it out - just as they always have. For the most part they are loving, cooperative siblings who strive to put "Mom" first. How lucky I am!
An anonymous caregiver
said...
The suggestion to write down your
feelings are good. However, it does not change the fact that another sibling is is not holding up their part of the deal. I'm in the same situation, my brother does nothing, but my mom thinks he is wonderful and I take her to doctor appt, shop for her, laundry, etc. I lost a very well paying job becuase I was spending too much time taking her to doctor appts. I have asked my brother to use some of his vaction, like I have over the past few years, to help, but he won't. I guess he thinks that daughters are suppose to help thier parents.
An anonymous caregiver
said...
