Millions of U.S. Children Serve as Primary Caregivers for Ill Relatives
Updated
Updated · The New York Times · Aug 5
Millions of U.S. Children Serve as Primary Caregivers for Ill Relatives
1 articles · Updated · The New York Times · Aug 5
Summary
Millions of U.S. children are acting as primary caregivers for sick or disabled relatives, taking on duties often associated with adult home health aides.
15-year-old Isabella Robinson spent about 18 months caring for her mother, Rosa Seda, after breast cancer spread to her brain, handling bandages, medications, bathing and medical appointments.
Two brain-tumor operations in 2024 and 2025 deepened that role, with Isabella monitoring surgical wounds, preventing falls, scheduling visits and filling out medical forms.
Limited adult support left her largely responsible: her father was ill and often at work, her three adult siblings lived away, and outside help amounted to a month of weekly physical-therapy visits after Rosa's hospitalization.