When Your Parents Become Your Children

Care4As us baby boomers get older, and our parents become less independent, there comes a time when the roles of both of us reverse. We become the parent, and they become the children. 

Alzheimer’s and Dementia take the mind back to a time when only the memories of their younger years can be recalled. If you are not recognized by your parent,  it could be that they do not recognize this older version of you, but in their mind they remember you when you were only 12 years old instead.

in some cases, they can recognize your voice but not your face. You can experiment behind a closed door, for example, to see if you are recognized when they cannot see your face. You may also find recognition from them if you bring up something that would be applicable to when you were younger, and perhaps single or going to high school.

Experiment and see if this works with your loved one.