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Last week @KQEDForum's @mkimreporter covered the crisis facing one of our most essential workforces, whose members go about their work largely unseen, uncompensated, and who face incredible challenges during the #COVID19 pandemic: our caregivers. https://www.kqed.org/forum/2010101881441/caregivers-shoulder-increased-burdens-during-pandemic
Who are our caregivers? Well, an estimated 1/5 Americans are doing the unpaid work of caring for children & loved ones who are aging, sick or disabled. They come from every generation: from Gen Z to Baby Boomers. And many have to leave their jobs due to the demands of caregiving.
Many were not expecting or planning to become caregivers. They have no formal training, yet suddenly find themselves taking on tasks performed by nurses. They provide emotional & physical support, & administer medication to loved one—all while taking on every aspect of housework.
They do all this w/very little support—financial or otherwise. Many leave their jobs just as they incur new health expenses. They can’t afford to hire help when they need it most—forcing impossible choices. Yet they do the work, & care for those they love. https://www.usatoday.com/story/opinion/voices/2020/12/16/caregivers-coronavirus-covid-19-joe-biden-column/3906891001/
Caregivers were already under an unsustainable level of strain—COVID19 only made things worse. With adult day centers closed, limited abilities to share responsibilities, & a lack of safe activities in which to take part, they have even more on their plate. https://miami.cbslocal.com/2020/12/21/survey-caregivers-covid-crisis-negative-impact-mental-health/
Our social safety net has failed our caregivers. They need — and deserve — financial, economic, and social support. They deserve to be compensated.
Thankfully, as @aijenpoo of @domesticworkers writes: “The president-elect made caregiving a core pillar in his economic agenda — He didn’t relegate the issue as one of women alone, rather one of economic consequence to all—
The time for care is now:” https://www.thenation.com/article/society/pandemic-caregiver-biden
The time for care is now:” https://www.thenation.com/article/society/pandemic-caregiver-biden
