In this aging podcast, Fran Emerson, the program director for the Charleston Alzheimer’s Association, discusses with Sally Smith the dynamic of caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease when the caregiving doesn’t come naturally. She explains that not everyone is a natural caregiver; thus, caregiving often has to be taught. Ms. Emerson offers advice for working out roles within the family when a parent is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. She also touches on the issue of caregiver guilt, regardless of the amount one aids in care, as well as resentment that may form within the family.

If you enjoyed this podcast, you may be in interested in reading Sally Smith’s book, The Circle: A Walk with Dementia. For more information on The Circle, click here.