With a declining population, the burden of caring for aging parents, grandparents, and other relatives is becoming more difficult due to workforce shortages and fewer family members available to help. This report highlights the experiences of a couple in Washington, D.C., who have dedicated their lives to caring for a 104-year-old relative.
Declining population means caring for parents, grandparents, and other relatives could become even more challenging with fewer professionals and family members to pitch in.Renee DeVigne stands with her husband Maurice White behind his mother, Evelyn White at Knollwood Life Plan Community in Washington, D.
C. Maurice and his wife are the primary caregivers for Evelyn, who recently turned 104.WASHINGTON, D.C. — Maurice White, 75, and Renee DeVigne, 68, are among the millions of family caregivers in the U.S. whose lives center around caring for aging loved ones. The Washington, D.C. couple has gone to extraordinary lengths, into their own retirement years, to take care of family elders. They've cared for White's mother Evelyn White in their home for 25 years. The retired teacher turned 104 in October. She's one of the last of their elders they will care for.Sponsor Message. In the U.S., this population shift means caring for parents, grandparents, and other relatives could become even more challenging with fewer family members to pitch in. The caregiving industry is already experiencing a workforce shortage. TheMaurice White and DeVigne say they know many families can't keep loved ones at home for various reasons. Some are juggling the demands of jobs and parenthood. White retired early — 20 years ago — and the couple doesn't have children. Some families may not have enough space in their homes. White built an apartment in their basement for his mother. He says their culture as a Black family plays an important role in their decision to provide care at home. Evelyn White waves during a recent party at Knollwood celebrating six centenarians — all women, including herself. Evelyn's caregiver Selisa Sutton , her son Maurice White and her daughter-in-law Renee DeVigne joined her at the party."I do think that African-American families have more of a tendency to do that, many because of money, but more just because of the family connection," he said."This is my mom. We put her to bed every night and say prayers with her.", about 26% of Black and Hispanic Americans, and 24% of Asian Americans lived in multigenerational households compared to 13% of white Americans in 2021.says from 2021-2022, 45% of Black elder care providers were taking care of a parent. For Hispanics or Latinos, that same figure was about half. Ai-jen Poo is Executive Director of Caring Across Generations and President of the National Domestic Workers Alliance. She says the U.S. is nearing a tipping point with families overwhelmed by caregiving demands. Selisa Sutton is a home health aide who has helped Maurice and Renee provide care for Evelyn the last couple of years."We've kind of taken this model of care where you're on your own and you're expected to shoulder and manage it as an individual or as families alone," she said."We've taken this model to its very limit and we're all at the edge of the cliff looking down and wondering what to do next." White and DeVigne took care of his mother Evelyn without assistance until she started needing more support a couple of years ago. Then, they hired home health aide Selisa Sutton."She was bathing herself, brushing her teeth, getting herself dressed, she'd ride her bike, we'd go to the senior citizen center everyday!" But this summer, everything changed. Evelyn had a stroke. She was in the hospital for nine days and then started short-term rehab at Knollwood Life Plan Community, a senior living community in Washington, D.C.Knollwood is among many care facilities that have had to navigate the strain of workforce shortages. Beverly Morgan, a registered nurse and director of Sales and Marketing at the center says she's concerned about these shortages because it's projected to grow worse nationally. "The shortage was an issue 10 years before the pandemic. Then, you had this horrific pandemic that took a large portion of people out of the system," she said. Beverly Morgan is the Director of Sales and Marketing at Knollwood, she says her 30-year career as a nurse informs her sales and marketing decisions. The median cost of a home health aide for 40 hours a week was more than $68,000 a year in 2023, according to, an independent health policy research, polling and news organization headquartered in the D.C. area. The median annual price tag for a private bedroom in assisted living exceeded $64,000. Assisted living support at Knollwood starts at about $89,000 a year. Families typically must pay out-of-pocket or use long-term care insurance for both types of care. Congress has made cuts to Medicaid, as more than 700,000 aging adults, people with disabilities, and those with chronic conditions are"If we're living an average of 20 years longer … we've got to re-imagine a system of care and a culture of caregiving," said Poo.Maurice White and Renee DeVigne's advice for people who want to care for loved ones at home is to learn as much as possible about their elders' needs and resources."You try to do your due diligence to gather your facts and learn and ask questions," said DeVigne."I try to surround myself with people who know more than I do." Over the years, the couple has done workshops on spirituality and self-care. They say they've also incorporated meditation and other techniques to promote mental and emotional well being."We're proud of you, Mom, because you've worked very hard," said DeVigne."It's hard to do rehab in the best of times, but at 104, you're an inspiration to us all." Evelyn says she's grateful for her life, and all the care and love she gets from her son and daughter-in-law. They say, over all these years, she has passed down to them her philosophy on life.Since returning home, her family says she has gotten positive reports from her doctors. White is rebuilding some strength in physical and occupational therapy, and she's back at the senior center. The family is reflecting on their experience at Knollwood in the facility-care system. It has given them new perspective and made them think differently about the future. Renee DeVigne gently applies lipstick on her mother in-law, Evelyn White. DeVigne's mother died young at 54, but she says,"God took care of me and gave me a second mom."White and DeVigne say they're still figuring out what type of care and care setting they want for themselves. The one thing they know they need and want is human connection. "I've always said I'd stay in my house until the day I died," said White."But it dawned on me, you can be isolated all the time. I think that's one of the things that's helped mom, she has never been isolated. We keep her going and it made a difference. It kept her alive!"The couple's hope is that the country can solve the caregiving crisis and be ready for shifts in the population. They imagine a day when families can afford care, the professional workforce is valued with better wages, and elders get the care they deserve.
Caregiving Aging Population Family Care Workforce Shortage Elderly Care
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Where California’s homeless population is decreasingHomelessness continues to be a major issue in California, but some places are reporting decreases in their populations.
Read more »
Peaceful protests by 3.5% of the population is almost always successfulPeaceful protests matter more than most people think. Researchers have found that nearly every nonviolent movement with active participation from at least 3.5
Read more »
Halloween and a declining Christian tradition coexist on All Saints' Day in SpainThe sobriety of the Catholic tradition, by which on All Saints' Day graves are cleaned and flowers are brought to cemeteries to spend time with deceased loved ones, has given way in recent years to sweets, fake blood, and spider webs from one of the most iconic holidays in the United States.
Read more »
Uncertainty over SNAP aid deepens as the government shutdown intensifiesIn New Jersey, Gov. Phil Murphy declared a state of emergency.
Read more »
Manhunt for Murder Suspect Dominic Connelly Intensifies on Halloween NightAuthorities are actively searching for 24-year-old Dominic Liam Connelly, a murder suspect who also stabbed a deputy. The search, which moved into Beaufort County after a sighting, involves numerous law enforcement agencies, helicopters, and drones. Schools are on remote learning and Halloween events have been rescheduled due to the ongoing manhunt.
Read more »
The declining population will make it even harder to care for eldersDeclining population means caring for parents, grandparents, and other relatives could become even more challenging with fewer professionals and family members to pitch in.
Read more »