Family systems theory characterizes the family as a set of interacting, interrelating members functioning in relation to broader sociocultural system and evolving over the life circle. Change in one part of the system will result in compensatory change in other parts of the systems. As a result of parental chronic illness, certain functions and roles need to be reassigned to other family members as the ill parent exhibits a change or decline in functioning, and this redistribution of functions and power requires adaptation within the family.