"Parenting my parents": perspectives of adult children on assuming and remaining in the caregiver's role

Family caregivers are essential when responding to the long-term care needs of aging societies. The complex and multifaceted caregiver’s role encompasses a unique set of challenges and strains, however, it can be a rewarding experience with many benefits and positive outcomes. Moreover, there is a link between the caregiver’s well-being, quality of care, and the quality of life of the care recipient. Thus, the current study aimed to explore why adult children are assuming and remaining in the caregiver’s role despite its challenges. The results of the study revealed that caregivers were able to experience family care as a meaningful and rewarding experience while acknowledging its challenges and limitations. Implications for family caregiving decisions and experiences, social policy, and future research are discussed in more depth in the paper.