They were less depressed, less subject to immune dysfunction and less abusive, neglectful and exploitive. Caregivers who had a bad rapport with their charges often avoided the work, sometimes putting relatives in nursing homes before they really needed to go. Conflicts should be resolved because they can't be resolved after a person starts needing care. Williamson suggested caregivers and recipients attend family therapy together to develop that bond. Even if only one of those involved attends such sessions, the affect is still helpful.
Elderly parents can also play the role of care recipient.
Most primary caregivers can count on little help from siblings. Williamson was unsure why, since the area has yet to be studied in depth. And those relatives who don't help often are the ones who complain the loudest. Having someone come in and question what you're doing when you're giving everything you've got really is upsetting and can create major problems in the family system. If they aren't complaining about the quality of care, they're complaining about the money.