I have three brothers and very elderly parents. My British parents moved to France 25 years ago and never learned the language. Around six years ago my mother showed signs of dementia, but my stubborn and very opinionated father resisted any help, dismissing the behaviours as 'silliness'. After the pandemic her condition worsened and my eldest brother and I pushed more for assessments and support. We are the ones who visit and phone the most and dealing with the resulting crises due to my father's continued attitude: arranging and paying for care, cleaning up a chotic house, and trying to persuade our father to accept help or consider returning to the UK.
In early 2025 my mother had a serious accident and is now in a French care home. My eldest brother and I have handled almost all the admin and practical work during these times - which is made harder when not our native country. My other two brothers have done very little which we understand can be quite common. However, one of these brothers after one of his short visits told us he thought our parents were being neglected, listed problems already well known to us, and presented us with a list of actions he felt we needed to take. He also asked to be reimbursed for expenditures from this visit. Due to our shock at being given 'orders and an invoice', we argued back. Since then, he has told us he wants no communication at all, except in emergencies. I have sent updates and a christmas card but received nothing back.
I feel very hurt by his attitude, the lack of support and the constant emotional sapping of energy and sleep that dealing with my parents takes on me.
Has anyone had a similar experience, and how did you cope or move forward?
Did anyone watch the C5 programme on CECOT with Richard Madeley
IDF soldiers sexual violence against women 😡


