Press Alert March 12, 2025: Youth Play a Critical but Hidden Role in Dementia Care

AACY is pleased to share the latest edition of the Voices of Alzheimer’s newsletter, which highlights the often-overlooked role of Caregiving Youth in dementia care. The article “Time to Act: Youth Play a Critical but Hidden Role in Dementia Care” underscores the urgent need for greater awareness and support for the estimated 5.4 million youth caregivers in the U.S.

In the piece, a former high school caregiver who supported his grandmother with Alzheimer’s shares a simple but powerful message:

“The need for support services for teenage caregivers is HUGE.”

Despite growing recognition of family caregivers, youth caregivers remain largely invisible in policy and practice. The article explores the emotional, academic, and financial challenges they face and the limited resources available to help them navigate their responsibilities.

Dr. Connie Siskowski, RN, PhD, founder and president of the American Association of Caregiving Youth (AACY), stresses the importance of changing public perception:

“People have a visual image of a child who is hungry or homeless, but they lack a mind image of a Caregiving Youth. We must work together to change this.”

The piece also highlights a step in the right direction: the recent introduction of the Lifespan Respite Care Reauthorization Act of 2025, which clarifies that caregivers under 18 can access respite services—an important recognition of their role.

AACY remains committed to supporting Caregiving Youth through skills-building workshops, emotional support, and advocacy efforts to ensure they no longer remain hidden.

We thank Voices of Alzheimer’s for shedding light on this issue and also appreciate the inclusion of one of our national partners, Lorenzo’s House.

Read the full article in the Voices of Alzheimer’s newsletter:

https://mailchi.mp/voicesofad/voices-of-alzheimers-march-1-2025?e=[UNIQID]

Website:
https://www.voicesofad.com/