In my line of work, I meet people many my age or of the same baby boomer generation who are struggling with the challenges and stresses with caring for an elderly parent . I see them struggle with the changes in their relationship with their parent. Our parents no longer act like parents , providing us with the support as we have come to depend  on. Instead, they depend on us to help them as they can no longer can perform the tasks that allow them to live independently. They become dependent on us instead of as we had been brought up to believe that we can depend on them.  In some cases this role reversal can occur without much pain but instead with acceptance. In most cases it does not. It is very difficult to see one of the most important relationships in our lives change, sometimes suddenly. A relationship we have grown to depend on. This change does occur with many of the emotions we deal with when there is a significant change in our life. Emotions that can range from fear to anxiety to  disappointment and anger.

I hope this blog provides you with the insight about how to deal with these issues. I plan to provide entries on a frequent basis. If you have specific questions or subjects you would like to discuss, please contact me at Merri@companioncarofwa.com

Merri    6/21/09