Expert View I Have Become My Wife's Parent

• Library: Alzheimer's and the Practice of Law: Counseling Clients with Dementia and Their Families (ABA) (2013 Ed.)

EXPERT VIEW I Have Become My Wife's Parent

Dr. Dean Bryson has a PhD in educational psychology from the University of Nebraska. During his professional career, he has worked with numerous individuals, primarily in the family setting, but also dealing with crisis situations involving hostage taking. In addition, he has worked in cross-cultural relationships with the Sioux Nation. One of his proudest moments is having been inducted into the Sioux tribe and given a Sioux name. Dr. Bryson says, "I love elderly people. There's no other way I can say that. They're sometimes frustrating, but so am I. They are sometimes confused, but so am I. I love them. They are a challenge."

Q: Dr. Bryson, give me some information about yourself and your qualifications to speak to attorneys about dealing with elderly people.

A: Last July, I turned 75, and I'm married to a 75-year-old. I started working with elderly people when I was in graduate school at the University of Nebraska in 1963, and I've been working with them ever since. I have lived in senior citizen centers; I've lived in dementia centers; I've lived in assisted-living centers. And my wife with dementia is living in a rehab center and will soon go into a dementia center.

Q: Could you tell me about your journey with your wife? Could you explain a little about what it means to be a...