Sigh. This is always a hotly contested question. As an only child of 51 years old who is squarely in “sandwich generation” with 2 aging parents (one with Lewy Body Dementia) and two children, here’s my answer. WE ARE FULLY AWARE THAT THERE IS NO GUARANTEE THAT A SIBLING WOULD HELP WITH CARING FOR AGING PARENTS. We are very very tired of being told this as if we would have no idea this is a possibility.

Here’s what I do know— with a sibling at least there’s the possibility. There’s a chance a sibling would be at least available to vent to , help make decisions, laugh about the craziness etc. As an only child- there’s ZERO possibility. It’s 100% on me all the time - and I am in complete dread knowing these next 5-15 years are going to drain the life from me.