Another article highlights the challenges caregivers face when caring for people with illness.
The article in MSMBC, entitled Opinion | Bruce Willis’ latest diagnosis reveals an uncomfortable truth: Americans would prefer to not think about what happens if our minds and bodies start to decline. Caregivers don’t have that luxury.
The article states “Caregivers are confronted with the difficulties of learning how to give care to a loved one, which entails managing symptoms, navigating the complexities of the health care system, finding resources and taking care of themselves too. Some might think the easy answer is to hire in-home assistance. But while some families — like Willis’ — are resource-blessed, the vast majority are not.”
As the parent of twin babies who required intense care for over a year and a half after birth, I can relate to this excerpt about other caregivers with similar situations. The Nigerian mother of a child with autism also faces similar challenges.
In the US, the article discusses “Many of the difficulties for caregivers boil down to a lack of support. We are in the midst of a critical shortage of direct care workers, which seriously limits the alternatives for even the wealthiest.”
Another story highlights how another Mother in Nigeria with a child with autism, copes with constant stress and mental health issues stemming from the challenges she faces as a caregiver.
HEALTH CONVERSATIONS: When Aware We Care 