Social Work Commons^™

Stigmatized And Perpetual Parents: Older Parents Caring For Adult Children With Life-Long Disabilities, Nancy P. Kropf, Timothy B. Kelly

SW Publications

Common misconceptions in the popular press focus on the dependency of the aged population, or cast the elderly in the role of the "greedy old geezer." However, large numbers of elders provide care for family members rather than receive care. This paper explores the unique stresses and strains in the caregiving relationships between older parents and their adult children with developmental disabilities or mental illness. Implications for practice and policy are drawn.