Because the 'role reversal' analogy represents a misleading 'tip of the iceberg', many people may miss a deeper understanding of the real tragedy of LTC situations. This article provides a more comprehensive insight than the simplistic 'changing your father's diaper' metaphor. Near the end of the article, I will note some benefits which LTCI can provide to help alleviate the difficulties described in this article. They see progress as their child develops skills, on nearly a daily basis during the diaper stages. They associate hope and success with the child-raising activity in which they voluntarily engage.
Grandparents generally enjoy seeing the 'grandkids'.
Parenthood's heavy responsibilities have a term limit, about 20 years. That is, the parent has an expectation that they will devote a lot of time to parenting for 20 years, after which point their child will be largely independent. Children often come back into the home at later ages and grandparents often raise their grandchildren. But, while they are raising their children, parents foresee a limited predictable time commitment. The child also anticipates growth and freedom.