Caregivers must also learn to state their needs and opinions clearly and ask for help from others especially brothers and sisters.

Brothers and sisters are often willing to help, but they may not know what to do

In a study of older people with sisters and brothers, psychologist Debra Gold of the Duke Center for the study of aging and human development found that about 20% said they were hostile or indifferent to ward their sisters and brothers.

Only four out of the 54 people interviewed had completely broken with their sisters and brothers and only one of the four felt comfortable with the break

As sisters and brothers advanced into old age, closeness increases and rivalry diminishes, explains VC, a psychologist at Purdue University.