Long-Term Care: talking, deciding, taking action Home
“My mother always cared for me and now I am caring for her needs. I feel like I’m the parent!”

Family Dynamics

As care receivers age and become more dependent, families may experience changes in relationships. One relationship change that often occurs in families is role reversal, whether it is within a couple relationship or between a parent and child. Power struggles may develop as a result of role reversal situations. These situations may also lead to conflict or manipulative behaviors within the family. At times, family members may have difficulty dealing with these changes.

Sometimes these difficult feelings are related to changes in the person you are caring for. Other times they are a response to your own strong emotions related to the caregiving experience. Past family experiences can also impact changing relationships.

How have you seen relationships change in your family?

On the next page we will discuss how planning ahead can help minimize these struggles.