Down Syndrome: Living Well

Aired on Lifetime Television
May 4 and June 15, 2008
Show 511

It's good news that people with Down Syndrome are living longer than ever before. Parents, who used to outlive children with Down's, often don't anymore. This means siblings and others must take responsibility for the caregiving. Pat's story involves her brother Ron, who has Down Syndrome and Alzheimer's. Pat's mother Florence cared for him for many years. Florence is now 94 and can't provide the level of care she needs anymore, so Ron's caregiving responsibilities have moved to Pat, changing the family dynamic.  Leeza and Dr. Jamie discuss the challenges for siblings who must now provide caregiving to other siblings – how they need to have flexibility and keep things in perspective.