Sunday, March 7, 2021 | 2 a.m.
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Emma Henderson’s Feb. 23 guest column, “Home care workers need good jobs and respect,” struck a nerve with me. I empathize with her difficult job, miserable wage and lack of benefits. But I would like to call attention to another group of caregivers — parents and children caring for terminally ill family members in their home with absolutely no compensation.
I am 73 years old and my husband is 77. I thought these were going to be our golden years.
Our 39-year-old daughter with Down syndrome lives with us and is able to care for herself with little assistance but requires supervision.
However, our 51-year-old son is afflicted with a neurodegenerative brain disease called Huntington’s (a genetic disease inherited from his biological father). I am his sole caregiver, assisting with all of his daily activities. He needs help showering, dressing and eating. I can’t remember the last time I sat down and ate dinner uninterrupted. We are not able to go out and leave him unattended for more than an hour.
His 53-year-old brother has the same disease and, while he is still able to live in his own home with the help of two of his younger brothers, I’m responsible for managing his doctor appointments, medication and various errands.
I wonder why no effort is made to support the thousands of family caregivers who are completely uncompensated.
