Caregiving and your Siblings
As printed in “The Beacon” San Antonio’s Christian Newspaper
Article Date: April 2010 – The Beacon Online by Starr Calo-oy
Starr Calo-oy
There are going to be times you and your siblings will disagree with the way you are caring for your relative. Believe me, you may feel unappreciated, underpaid and overworked! Why? They think different than you do! People handle emotional pain and disappointment in different ways. A few of the factors that will cause people to think differently are:
- ♦ Growing up and living in contrasting homes
- ♦ Health issues
- ♦ Income brackets
- ♦ Unique lifestyles
- ♦ Job/career changes
- ♦ Family additions
- ♦ Growth in diverse areas
- ♦ Losses and gains in distinct areas
“Embrace them with His arms and see them through His eyes! Make your heavenly father proud.”
If you want to be less disappointed, watch your expectations. Read and apply Galatians 5:22–26 “but the fruit of the spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self–control. Against such things there is no law. Those who belong to christ jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires. Since we live by the spirit, let us keep in step with the spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other.” Hold a family meeting and ask your family to sign up for chores:
The Volunteer List
Cooking – this person agrees to cook for your entire family so you can tend to your loved ones personal needs. They can bring the prepared food over weekly or bi–weekly. This would be their only responsibility. Cleaning – this person comes over a minimum of 3 times a week to do a thorough cleaning of the house and take out the trash. This would be their only responsibility Laundry – this person comes over to do laundry 4 times a week– to wash, fold, put & hang up all laundry. This would be their only responsibility. Appointments & transportation – this person would handle all appointments and transportation for your lo. He would write all of them on your calendar to keep you up to speed. He would also get him ready for these appointments. Yard work – this person would keep your yard looking greatmowing and edging once a week. Above all, realize that you have the great opportunity and privilege of being a good example of Jesus to them by the way you handle their criticism and judgment. Pray for them. Embrace them with His arms and see them through His eyes! Make your heavenly father proud.
Starr writes monthly for “The Beacon” – a San Antonio Christian Newspaper. The Beacon online at: The Beacon.
Starr & Bob Calo-oy created CaregiversAdvice.net to help, encourage, and support caregivers. Through weekly Radio Shows on KKYX 680am San Antonio, they host special guests who cover many unique topics concerning caregiving. They also have weekly TV Segments on KENS TV 5 San Antonio where they share caregiving and marriage tips. All of these programs are archived as Radio Podcasts and TV Podcasts for your easy listening. Visit their sister site, Marriage101.net for marriage help and encouragement. Starr has written Four Books on Caregiving.
