Open Call

I totally agree with Carol that we always need to maintain repect for our elders and allow them the dignity of being an adult, despite possible mental decline. It may be challenging, but we owe them that much after all they have contributed. Excellent Video.

Beth W.

Great message and teachings.

But a boring video visually.

An unexpected approach! Perhaps different visuals paired with the message as a voiceover would challenger the viewer in her/his focus on the words.

Sometimes we need to talk right into the camera to get our points across. I like your short. If possible, you should add some pics of the elederly you cared for from the past.

She's definitely earned her right to have opinions, but taking issue with whether people use the phrase "parenting your parents" or not doesn't add much to the conversation.

I think even for people with dementia, (my grandmother and two great aunts have/had this, and I've watched family members be their primary caregivers), there is still a level of respect that should be maintained while caring for the elderly. Not just respect that they will be aware of, but respect for others who see and interact with them to be aware of--a spouse, a neighbor, and particularly younger family members. Simply not referring to their care as parenting or role-reversal--even if many of the tasks performed may be similar to caring for a young child--could make that difference, so I feel this is a really important message to get out.

While it seems obvious to me after watching this video, it is not something I had thought about in this way before, and I'm thankful for the perspective.

I, too, believe that Carol's message is important, and should be used as a rule of thumb to maintain the pride and dignity of our parents. But there are exceptions to every rule, and billiejoe's comment is well stated. In cases of mental incapacity; it IS different, and there few means by which to say that the children are now in a reversed role of authority.

I think it is important to include such an issue in the program.

i feel that the world needs to see what is really involved in caregiving the elders. perhaps she feels it is demeaning to refer to it as parentng but it is very close to the way it is. role reversal is an apt term when a parent has alz. or dementia. they are very child like. her opinions are valid if the parents retain their mental funtioning but their bodies betray them but more often, with the extended life due to medical intervention, the mind is compromised but the body continues. caregivers are exchanging years of their lives with the extended, poor quality of the elders lives and it effects ALL family members. many elders can not be left alone safely, we care for them the same as we would a small child. it really is a role reversal, the difference is the are can go on indefinitely.

Carol's message is important and right on the money. But the static talking head format means that the video doesn't add anything.

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