New Survey: ‘Sandwich Caregivers’ Rely on Children to Help with Loved Ones

One of our caregivers from the home care service is 20 years old. We started her and she is able to work overnight and help my father-in-law. She actually wants to be a caregiver professionally and she is studying laws in college. Young adults have the ability to work at tough hours. However, she is certainly a little inexperienced and needs the other older caregiver's help at times. Young adults like this should be admired and encouraged. This society needs mroe caregivers, young or older.

Nina

Hi Eric - thanks so much for your post - good to hear from you.

What a trying and painful situation families are put in when it comes to caring for a loved one with Alzheimer's or dementia.  Especially when it is advanced.  But to have a child have to assist in some of these tasks seems over the top.  I guess families do what they have to in order to stay together and care for each other, but a 16 year-old having to do what you described, well my heart just ached for that family.

I was wondering if there is any data out there as to how school systems may be supporting these kinds of scenarios.  Maybe the couseling departments have local support services information to share with parents of kids or maybe the kids themselves.  Do you have any information on this? 

For help locating caregiving services check out our resources page for a list of groups who cater to those and their families with Alzheimer's and dementia.

As well, our Caregiver Center may provide useful material for you and your family.

All the best, sue 

Mr. Hall,

I am working on a documentary for HBO on Alzheimer's.  The film is focused on families with children around 6-12 who are dealing with the disease in their grandparents. In your travels and research have you met any families who might want to share their story? We are shooting in many locations around the country and would welcome any insight and guidance.

ThankYou,

V Brady

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