Parent-Child Relationship: Life Narratives of Elderly Parents as Care Receiver

Abstract

Background: As children age, caring for their parents becomes a significant responsibility. In line with this, all parents as they age also undergo drastic life role shifts in their lives. From parents’ responsibility of caring for their children to children’s responsibility of caring for their parents. In the Philippines, an adult child shouldering the responsibility of being their caregiver is normal as it is a Filipino cultural trait that can be traced to the Filipino culture of “utang na loob.”  Methods: To further explore and understand this concept, this study utilized a qualitative narrative inquiry design that focuses on understanding the life narratives of Filipino elderly parents regarding the parent-child relationship and care being a care receiver. A semi-structured and open-ended one-on-one interview was conducted with 5 Filipino elderly parents eligible for the participant’s criteria of this study. Results: The findings showed that the development of the parent-child relationship from the role of parents as care providers until it shifts to being a care receiver, influences the type and quality of care the caregiver provides. Moreover, most Filipino elderly parents regardless of sex prefer their daughters as their primary caregivers as they elicit more caregiving behavior, unlike their sons. Conclusion: In conclusion, the parent-child relationship plays a significant role in the care elderly parents receive from their adult childcare providers. Moreover, elderly parents consider caring for them as their children’s obligation towards them.