Why is it that in a family of 2 or more siblings,the care of elderly parents always fall on just one child?

Question

I don`t mind doing it,as a matter of fact I also feel like that`s why I `m here and it hasn`t been hard at all giving things in my life up to care for them,I enjoy it,it just seems like its a little strange that its so easy.

Answer 1

It does seem that way, doesn't it? I am guessing you are the "one". I was the "one" also, though I have two brothers and one sister. It is our cross to bear, dear on....just do it, and with love and compassion.

Answer 2

It doesn't always land on one child. . It depends on the family. However, in many families in the USA siblings move across the country and reside in myriad places. The child closest to the parents usually gets the lion's share of the job for obvious reasons. They're there and see the problems and can't morally leave the parents who nurtured them without the help they need. Lots of families I know deal with it lots of ways and they do share the responsibilities. Hiring someone to take care of some of the care taking is one way of caring for the parents, a responsible board and care or assisted living facility is another option.

Answer 3

Pumpkin, I am the middle child. I have an older sister, and a younger brother. My sister has two children and is too busy to deal with my parents, who both happen to be disabled (not to the drastic point of in home care or anything, but they deal with a lot of pain). My brother is too young to be thinking of this right now. With my brother excluded, I know that my sister will not be able to handle a situation like this, she freaked out over her child getting 9 stitches so I know that when the time comes for her to take care of mama and daddy, because she is the oldest, I know that she will have a hard time. Although I am the middle child, I feel like the eldest because I am already thinking about long term care, and what my mama and daddy will need of me. I already help them without want for anything now, and I live farther away than my sister does. I know it is going to fall on me, and you know what I really don't mind. I know that I will care when the time comes. It really depends on how children grow up and how they are when they realize that they are adults!

Answer 4

In my family the only one who lives close to my mother is my oldest sister, so she often ends up helping out more when my mom is sick and needs help. The rest of us live rather far or have children in school and jobs, because of the distance and time traveling are unable to be there as often. We have all offered to have my mom come live with us though, she doesn't want to relocate though because her friends and sisters all live there.

Answer 5

because usually only one sibling is willing to take on the responsability that comes with supporting that elderly parent---the other's just want the money or don't want their parents care to interrupt their life

Answer 6

It is not always but most times there is only one who is willing and able to take on most of the responsibility. Many times it's also more practical to have one person coordinating finances, appointments, etc.

Answer 7

good question, totally true too. my mom and dad cared for my grandparents for 2 years, and they lived here in our house the whole time. i think my grandma only went to stay with my aunt once or twice.

but the main reason why they stayed here is b/c our house is closer to the hospital where my grandma needed treatment than my aunt's house, but still...my aunt barely even came to visit or offered to help us out and it was very difficult for my mother to take care of my grandma.

Answer 8

The kid that takes on the responsibility is usually the one that knows that they have no choice.. if they dont do it.. it wont get done.
and vice versa, the ones who dont do it know the other one will if they wont.
The inconsiderate ones taking advantage of the kind one.

Answer 9

Usually in a group of siblings there is one who is more of a homebody and more attached to their parents.