USA TODAY International Edition
Caregivers need assistance, as well
There’s no doubt about the impact that health conditions of a family member can have on the whole family, especially when the person in need of care is no longer independent. The impact is compounded by financial insecurities and who else is available and willing to help, including extended family and friends, and community resources.
Imagine being 11 years old without siblings and your single parent or single grandparent (who is your guardian) becomes ill and unable to work.
If one compares a youth caregiver attending school to an employed family caregiver, the effect on academic life is like the workplace. An adult caregiver may be late to work; a youth caregiver may be late to school and/or miss school alogether.
The only national study, released in 2005, reports an estimated 1.3-1.4 million caregiving youth ages 8-18. As our population ages with more advanced treatments and technology, more single-parent and multigeneration households, as well as more grandparents raising grandchildren, it’s no wonder that the number of children providing care is rapidly growing and requires attention from health care, education, government and the public.
Connie Siskowski, president American Association of Caregiving Youth
Boca Raton, Fla.
USA TODAY OPINION
I, alone, took care of two sick parents at the same time. One with Alzheimer’s and the other with leukemia and in severe depression. I have never felt so hopeless, alone, stressed and defeated in my entire life. Caregiver stress can be as deadly as the loved ones’ diseases.
Debbie Peda
I’m a caregiver of two. Some days, I want to just cry, but I thank my family for stepping in sometimes. We need prayer and financial help. But the prayer helps most. It keeps me going when I don’t have any more to give.
Janice Hale Richardson WANT TO COMMENT? Have Your Say at letters@usatoday.com, @usatodayopinion on Twitter and facbook.com/usatodayopinion. Comments are edited for length and clarity. Content submitted to USA TODAY may appear in print, digital or other forms.