How do I get my siblings on the same page?

Answered by Maria

what I tried….

There are 5 of us siblings helping Mum to live at home alone – even though she has quite advanced dementia. I take the lead role, but have a couple of nights off a week. I made a communication book that we left near the phone. Everytime someone dropped by they filled it in. Just basic information like the times they were there, what they did, what they talked about, any medication they gave Mum or food she ate, concerns they had, etc.

what I thought about….

“We need to get organised. Nobody knows whats going on and I’m worried Mum is not eating enough or there might be a mistake in how much medication she has because there are so many people caring for her.”

what I said….

I called a family meeting and we talked things through. I shared my concerns and it turned out my two brothers had been feeling the same. We spend some time discussing the best way to keep in touch and came up with the communication book together.

A bit about my me & my caring situation

Maria cares for her 86 year old mother who lives in her own home and has advanced dementia. Her 5 children, led by Maria care for her every need from washing, cooking and cleaning to showering and medication. It’s very important to them that their mother does not go into a nursing home.