Aging Caregivers Unsure of Disabled Child's Future

This article from The Florida Times-Union tells the story of parents who care for their severely disabled child, and their worries over who will provide that care when they are no longer able to do so.

In Florida, more than 25 percent of adults suffering from mental retardation live with caregivers over the age of 60, and about 61 percent of caregivers also suffer from depression as a result of their role.

" 'Aging caregivers' is almost being considered a national crisis," said Charlotte Temple, director of advocacy at Arc Jacksonville. "Many have never used community outreach programs or accessed services until it was too late."

Temple said she often sees siblings of disabled adults scrambling because the 80-year-old caregiver has died and the family has nowhere to turn.

This is the first large generation of disabled people not being institutionalized, she said, and there isn't enough space or money to accommodate them.