Insight & Action: Navigating Role Reversal
How to tackle hard conversations with your aging parents
Q&A with Dr. Lere
My real-life reactions to your real-world challenges.
Dear Dr. Lere,
My dad retired five years ago and lives alone. I’m worried about him, physically and mentally. In the last year, I’ve noticed a sharp decline in his memory and he’s really slowing down. It’s to the point where I’m concerned about his ability to safely remain in his home. I live three states away, so my wife and I can’t easily be there to help or keep an eye on things. I don’t have any siblings, so I feel that his care is largely on me. I visited him last month, and when I tried to bring up my concerns about his health and living situation, he got angry and completely shut down. I’m concerned but don’t know what to say or do. As an adult child, I’m starting to feel more like I need to be a parent.