Role Reversal in Aging Parents

For someone who has always taken pride in doing for themselves, it is hard to be told they now have to rely on others. It is harder still when those “others” are the children they raised. This can be a confusing, demanding time. Handing responsibility to the people you used to be responsible for is not a small thing.

Ideally we meet this season as peers — no one obligated out of anything but love. The surest way to protect that is dignity. Our parents will always be our parents, whatever their body or mind is doing. They have earned respect. We should not give that up under pressure.

“Role reversal” is too simple a phrase. “Role reinforcement” may be closer. Whatever we call it, do not carry it alone. Look to family and friends. A home care agency like Home by Choice can share some of the responsibility.

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