Speaking at the Aging Life Care Association Conference: Giving a Voice to Caregiving Youth
One of the greatest honors of my advocacy journey was speaking at the Aging Life Care Association Annual Conference in Austin, Texas. As I looked around the room, I saw hundreds of Aging Life Care Professionals, social workers, care managers, healthcare leaders, and advocates who dedicate their lives to helping older adults and families navigate some of life's most challenging moments. I was humbled to have the opportunity to share the perspective of a Caregiving Youth and represent millions of young caregivers whose stories often go unheard.
Our session, Caregiving Youth and Dementia Justice: The Hidden Frontline of Care, brought together organizations that are working to support children and teens impacted by caregiving. I had the privilege of sharing the stage with Dr. Connie Siskowski of the American Association of Caregiving Youth, Patti LaFleur of Lorenzo's House, and Jodi O'Donnell-Ames of Hope Loves Company. Together, we explored the realities faced by young people who help care for loved ones living with dementia, Alzheimer's disease, ALS, and other chronic conditions.
As I prepared for the presentation, I found myself reflecting on my own journey. Years ago, I was simply a granddaughter helping care for my grandmother, Mimi, as she navigated Alzheimer's disease. I didn't know there was a term for what I was doing. I didn't know that more than 5.4 million children and teenagers across the United States provide care for a family member. Most importantly, I didn't know that there were so many other young people carrying similar responsibilities every day.
Sharing my story at the conference reminded me how powerful awareness can be. Many attendees told me they had spent years working with older adults and family caregivers but had never considered that children might also be playing a caregiving role within the family. Others shared stories of clients whose grandchildren were helping with daily care, transportation, supervision, or emotional support. These conversations reinforced why advocacy for Caregiving Youth is so important.
One of the most meaningful aspects of the conference was learning from the professionals in attendance. Aging Life Care Managers are often on the front lines, helping families navigate complex healthcare situations. They understand the emotional, physical, and financial challenges that caregiving can bring. Hearing their perspectives helped me better understand how communities can work together to support both older adults and the young people who care about them.
The conference also highlighted the importance of collaboration. No single organization can solve every challenge facing Caregiving Youth. It takes healthcare professionals, educators, researchers, policymakers, families, and advocates working together to create meaningful change. Throughout the session, I was encouraged by the willingness of so many professionals to learn more about Caregiving Youth and explore ways to better identify and support them.
Perhaps the most memorable part of the experience was hearing from attendees after the presentation. Several people shared that they planned to return to their communities and begin asking different questions when working with families. Others expressed interest in incorporating Caregiving Youth awareness into their own programs and services. Those conversations reminded me that sometimes change begins with something as simple as a new perspective.
As I continue my journey through Giving Grace: Advocating for Caregiving Youth, I remain grateful for opportunities like the Aging Life Care Association Conference. Every presentation allows me to share the experiences of young caregivers while learning from others who are committed to serving families. Every conversation helps build awareness. Every connection helps strengthen the movement to ensure that Caregiving Youth are recognized, supported, and empowered.
Leaving the conference, I felt hopeful. Hopeful that more professionals now understand the experiences of Caregiving Youth. Hopeful that more families will receive the support they need. And hopeful that one day no young caregiver will feel invisible.
I am incredibly grateful to the Aging Life Care Association for providing a platform to share this message and for recognizing the important role Caregiving Youth play in families across the country. It was an experience I will never forget and one that continues to inspire my advocacy every day.