Young Caregivers Could Use Some Help Themselves
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Wavebreak Media/Thinkstock(MIAMI) — Some youngsters can’t escape certain responsibilities at home, such as caring for a family member with either physical or mental problems. According to University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, at least 1.3 million children and teens are saddled with this burden.
As much as their dedication is admirable, it can also take a heavy toll by putting them at a disadvantage in school.
In a unique study of this phenomenon, Dr. Julia Belkowitz and other researchers examined the work done by young caregivers, median age 12, in Palm Beach County, Florida. Nearly two-thirds were girls and the rest were boys.
Although the caregivers and those they cared for differed slightly on the time spent helping at home, it was well over a dozen hours weekly. The tasks were numerous, including feeding, dressing, bathing, toilet care, doling out medications and offering company and emotional support.
Belkowitz says the study is useful in bringing to the light the important work performed by young caregivers and how all the time spent at home can be a detriment to their education and social lives.
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