Thanks, Teresa. It’s something I wish everyone would read. When I got into the research, I was shocked. We’re in trouble and no one is looking at this.
Glad you noticed and thank you for restacking. My pieces have two common threads. They’re usually about some type of betrayal, by a person or our government, and I write them to educate. When I research pieces like this I learn so much that I want to share.
No, it doesn’t. But we need more politicians from both parties to start considering the needs of their constituents, and acting on those as worthy as taking care of our children and elders. Your family is beyond fortunate to have you, Shawn.
You understand then what the problems are with caregiving. Very few people consider this when considering the challenges we face. Everybody needs to read this, it’s shocking.
Yes. All too well. I’m also going to be babysitting my grandchild after she arrives in August because the cost of child care is so high. I’m so excited but I’ll be the primary caregiver for my mother and part time to my granddaughter. I couldn’t work any type of job, even if there was one available for my schedule. I’ll be 60 in a few months. It would be catastrophic for my family if I got sick or had an accident. Thank you for this piece. I’m glad I found your Substack for so many reasons. Hope you and your family are well and have a nice weekend.
Oh, Shawn, there’s so much on your plate right now. My wife and I dealt with some of what you’re going through with both our mothers, but nothing like the day-to-day challenges you’re facing. I’m sure you’re excited about your granddaughter when she arrives in August, but you have your mother to care for as well. I wasn’t sure I was going to write this piece, but as I did the research, I was increasingly shocked. It wasn’t the fact that so many people are in the same situation you find yourself, it was the sheer volume of the problem. The betrayal we all should feel is we’re the only 1st world, industrialized nation that dies not provide some or all the childcare and eldercare we need. You’re a good person, Shawn, I hope your family respects your efforts and time necessary to help in the way you are. You and your family take care, I’ll be thinking about you.
Thank you, Keith. I’m fortunate that I’ve been able to fill the gap that the system created. Before my mom needed my help, I cared for my mother in law. She had Alzheimer’s. We had to move her to a lock down facility because it became too dangerous to leave her alone. The nurses commented about how lucky she was that we came to see her and made sure her needs were being met. I noticed so many people that had no one visiting or even checking on them. Then I thought, what about those who can’t afford a facility and have no one checking on them. It’s heartbreaking and it doesn’t have to be this way.
Nobody ever valued the work women always did until suddenly they stopped being available to do it.
Excellent article!
Thanks, Teresa. It’s something I wish everyone would read. When I got into the research, I was shocked. We’re in trouble and no one is looking at this.
You made it so easy to read & comprehend. I restacked it so hopefully it will start spreading!
Glad you noticed and thank you for restacking. My pieces have two common threads. They’re usually about some type of betrayal, by a person or our government, and I write them to educate. When I research pieces like this I learn so much that I want to share.
I’m the main caregiver for my mother. She’s still mobile with a walker but she wouldn’t be able to live in her house without my help every day.
No, it doesn’t. But we need more politicians from both parties to start considering the needs of their constituents, and acting on those as worthy as taking care of our children and elders. Your family is beyond fortunate to have you, Shawn.
You understand then what the problems are with caregiving. Very few people consider this when considering the challenges we face. Everybody needs to read this, it’s shocking.
Yes. All too well. I’m also going to be babysitting my grandchild after she arrives in August because the cost of child care is so high. I’m so excited but I’ll be the primary caregiver for my mother and part time to my granddaughter. I couldn’t work any type of job, even if there was one available for my schedule. I’ll be 60 in a few months. It would be catastrophic for my family if I got sick or had an accident. Thank you for this piece. I’m glad I found your Substack for so many reasons. Hope you and your family are well and have a nice weekend.
Oh, Shawn, there’s so much on your plate right now. My wife and I dealt with some of what you’re going through with both our mothers, but nothing like the day-to-day challenges you’re facing. I’m sure you’re excited about your granddaughter when she arrives in August, but you have your mother to care for as well. I wasn’t sure I was going to write this piece, but as I did the research, I was increasingly shocked. It wasn’t the fact that so many people are in the same situation you find yourself, it was the sheer volume of the problem. The betrayal we all should feel is we’re the only 1st world, industrialized nation that dies not provide some or all the childcare and eldercare we need. You’re a good person, Shawn, I hope your family respects your efforts and time necessary to help in the way you are. You and your family take care, I’ll be thinking about you.
Thank you, Keith. I’m fortunate that I’ve been able to fill the gap that the system created. Before my mom needed my help, I cared for my mother in law. She had Alzheimer’s. We had to move her to a lock down facility because it became too dangerous to leave her alone. The nurses commented about how lucky she was that we came to see her and made sure her needs were being met. I noticed so many people that had no one visiting or even checking on them. Then I thought, what about those who can’t afford a facility and have no one checking on them. It’s heartbreaking and it doesn’t have to be this way.