Please write a Paragraph answering to this discussion below with your opinion. Please include citations and references in case of another source.

The family structural theory takes into account each individual’s role in a family and how the role of each member makes up sum of the family structure. Family development theory focuses on changes families experience throughout their life and typically includes a parent-child relationship (Edelman, Kudzma, & Mandle, 2014). By taking in an ailing parent the family dynamic will change and affect the family applying either theory. I think in this scenario, the family developmental theory has a bigger application.

In a study of adult daughters taking care of parents with dementia, they found that compassion fatigue was inevitably seen. The adult care takers showed increasing symptoms of chronic stress and centered on four areas; uncertainty about what the future will hold, doubt that they will have the skills to take care of their parent, attachment and the emotions associated with watching a loved one decompensate and strain, the effect this role puts on the family. These women started to question their effectiveness as wives and mothers (Day, Anderson & Davis, 2018).

As the nurse taking care of this family, initial education is vital. Education can include common difficulties of being in role reversal, community resources to provide support and assistance. I think it’s also important to explain to the daughter that they should not feel guilty asking for some respite time at some point and utilizing a program that has adult sitters. Explaining the impact it can have on her family and also meeting with the family as a whole so an assessment can be made as to how it affects each person and how they can make some changes to work as a team to help minimize stress for all of them.

References:

Day, J., Anderson, R., & Davis, L. (2018). Compassion Fatigue in Adult Daughter Caregivers of a Parent with Dementia.

Edelman, C. L., Kudzma, E. C., & Mandle, C. L. (2014). Health Promotion Throughout the Life Span (8^th ed.). St. Louis, MI: Mosby.