When Caregivers in Vista are Children

Young Caregivers In CarlsbadWhile it is still a difficult task, we have generally grown accustomed to the fact of the “sandwich generation.” Adults who care for both their own children and their elderly parents are quite common across the country. But more often than most people realize, caregivers in Vista and other areas are not even adults—they’re children and teenagers who are still trying to make it through school.

Statistics

In Palm Beach County, Florida, experts estimate that about 10,000 youths function as the primary caregivers for their parent or parents. These young people attend school while caring for parents or other relatives who are too elderly or ill to perform basic tasks on their own. While adult caregivers have it hard enough, imagine the pressure of studying and trying to keep grades high while having a demanding caregiving schedule at home as well.

Youth Caregivers in Vista: Help Is Out There

Fortunately, some health professionals have taken note of these dedicated, hardworking youths and are reaching out to support them. Connie Siskowski, the founder of the American Association of Caregiving Youth, cared for her own grandfather during her pre-teen years. This group helps young caregivers by relieving them with professional caregiving services, providing academic help, and educating them about the more difficult features of their responsibilities.

Encouragement is Critical

Why have these youngest caregivers in Vista, San Diego County, and the nation gained so little attention? In part, it is because parents and grandparents often are embarrassed or unwilling to admit to people outside the family that they need extensive help with daily life. These young heroes deserve and need all the support they can get from those around them. The American Association of Caregiving Youth has already seen the fruit of this support, in the form of high school graduates and well-equipped family caregivers. You can read more about this special group and make donations on their website, www.aacy.org.

Originally posted 2012-06-13 18:00:30.

Tim Colling
Tim Colling

Tim Colling is the founder and President of A Servant's Heart In-Home Care, which provided in-home caregiving services in San Diego County, and also of A Servant's Heart Geriatric Care Management, which provided
professional geriatric care management services and long term care placement services in San Diego County. Tim has more than 30 years of experience in management in a variety of industries. He held a Certified Care Manager credential from the National Academy of Certified Care Managers. Tim is also a Certified Public Accountant (retired), and received his Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting from California State University at San Diego. In addition to writing blog posts here for the Servant’s Heart blog, Tim also is a regular contributor to HealthLine.com and to FamilyAffaires.com as well as blogs of other eldercare services provider companies. Finally, Tim is also the president of A Servant's Heart Web Design and Marketing, which provides home care marketing as well as website design and online marketing for those who serve the elderly and their families.

Articles: 557
Skip to content