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Problem siblings at my age

(7 Posts)
MeerkatCrumble Wed 14-Jan-26 17:33:17

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?

Lathyrus3 Wed 14-Jan-26 18:10:46

I do sympathise, having had a similar experience with an elderly aunt. I supported my cousin in caring for her at home and arranging support and then finding a suitable care home when that was no longer enough.

Twice a year her eldest daughter, who was a GI bride and had been away for over 40 years would come over from America, criticise all we were doing and, as you say, issue a list of everything she thought we should be doing. And then, of course, return to her family in the USA🙄

And, yes, she did ask for money for her expenses. Fortunately the other daughter had Power of Attorney and was able to deny any instructions or requests. I hope you have that too or are matters still in your fathers hands? If so, it’s hard to see what you can do, other than what you are already doing.

Your brother I would just ignore from now on. It would have to be the ultimate emergency I think before I got in touch. Things are hard enough to deal with, without his interference.

The exhaustion I don’t have an answer for I’m afraid💐

Tenko Wed 14-Jan-26 20:28:05

I’m not surprised you’re hurt by his attitude, which stinks and is very grabby . It makes me think , did your parents pay for his expenses before ?
I’m in your position OP , I’m my mums carer and do everything for her and deal with her home admin . My siblings aren’t local and don’t visit often . My sister who’s quite bossy often voices things that I’m fully aware of . I just reply no shit Sherlock. And she backs down .
I’d ignore your brother for the moment . He’s not worth your headspace . Save your mental energy for yourself and your parents .
I know nothing about the French care system, however do your parents have friends in France who could help arrange help or advice? .

MeerkatCrumble Thu 15-Jan-26 11:20:09

Thank you. So much appreciate your feedback. I feel less alone in the world.

MeerkatCrumble Thu 15-Jan-26 11:20:47

Really appreciate the time you have given. Thank you. Pearls of wisdom.

eddiecat78 Thu 15-Jan-26 12:01:27

I was in this situation with my brother. I saw Dad almost every day. Brother appeared occasionally but instead of taking the load off me he came up with ideas which created more work for me. He spoke to Dad on the phone and I was often met by ""P thinks I should do such and such" and then expecting me to put it into action. This included convincing Dad he needed hearing aids (at the age of 95). I knew he wouldn't wear them but had to go through the whole business of getting him fitted for some - he wore them once.
Suffice it to say I haven't seen my brother since Dad's funeral (7 years ago) - my choice

MeerkatCrumble Fri 16-Jan-26 13:44:06

I feel that this will be repeated with me! Thank you