Chronic Illness

The closing years of life are like the end of a masquerade party, when the masks are dropped. -Philosopher Arthur Schopenhauer

Although it can be one of the most difficult emotional experiences, children are often caregivers. A recent study funded by the federal Administration on Aging and conducted by the National Alliance for Caregiving has uncovered a growing and disturbing trend as regards kids providing care. This research shows more than one million U.S. children ages 8 to 18 care for relatives who are ill or have disabilities, handling a wide variety of day-to-day tasks. About 75 percent of these youthful caregivers receive adult assistance, yet those from low-income, minority and single- parent homes are less likely to have help. “Half of the kids interviewed,” according to Gail Gibson Hunt, president of NAC, lead author of the study and a member of the Caring Today advisory board, “are providing personal care—for example, bathing, feeding, dressing. This is far more than regular help around the house. Caregiving can affect their schoolwork, home life and friendships. Other countries have programs for these kids,” adds Hunt. “From a policy perspective, we don't know they exist.”