When Susan, an 87-year-old woman with dementia, lost her husband of 53 years, her daughter Kate wanted Susan to have a safe and secure environment and welcomed Susan into her home. For Kate, it was the only decision that made sense. Susan was incredibly involved in her children’s lives, and Kate wanted to provide her with the same nurturing care.
Kate thought she was prepared to care for her mother. Though she worked full-time, she was able to have an aide stay with Susan for social stimulation and basic tasks. But when a series of trips to the emergency room caused Susan’s condition to decompensate rapidly, Kate was unsure how to help. One of the most difficult parts of caregiving for a loved one with dementia is the act of role reversal. For adult children like Kate, it feels unnatural to make difficult decisions for a parent – but these decisions are vital to continue providing seniors and loved ones with the quality of life they deserve.
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