Twelve-year-old Aleisha Thompson starts her day by getting her mom’s medication ready. She then prepares for school, making sure her mom eats before heading to the bus stop. Throughout the day, she texts her mom to remind her to take her medicine and eat. Thompson’s mom, Shelia Boatley, has diabetes and is disabled, unable to care for her children due to various health issues. This situation is common in many households across America, putting a strain on families and children.
According to the American Association of Caregiving Youth (AACY), an estimated 5.4 million children provided care to family members with health issues in 2019. However, this number is likely higher. In the U.S., there is little government support for young caregivers, unlike in countries like the U.K. and Australia. Nonprofits like AACY offer assistance to young caregivers, providing support, skills training, and connections to others in similar situations.
The lack of government aid and limited options for families make it challenging for young caregivers. Planning ahead with long-term care insurance or hybrid life insurance can help alleviate some of the financial burdens.
Vocabulary List:
- Caregiver (noun): A person who provides care to anothertypically a family member or friend.
- Disability (noun): A physical or mental condition that limits a person movementssensesor activities.
- Diabetes (noun): A disorder where the body has difficulty regulating blood sugar.
- Strain (noun): Pressurestressor burden.
- Nonprofit (noun): An organization that uses its surplus revenues to further achieve its purpose rather than distributing them as profit or dividends.
- Alleviate (verb): To make sufferingdeficiencyor a problem less severe.