A Millennial's Caregiving Journey

Tallahassee – Recently married at age 27, Bethany Robertson of Ft. Lauderdale was looking forward to exploring life with her husband, a law student. And then a challenge came at her without warning. Overnight, Robertson became a millennial caregiver.

Her beloved grandmother, Maria Viviano, had suffered a serious stroke and was left with limited ability to speak and move around.

Until she arrived at the New Jersey hospital where her grandmother had been taken by paramedics, Bethany did not realize that Maria had given her both power of attorney over her financial affairs and durable medical power of attorney over her physical care.

Immediately, Robertson embraced her new role and took responsibility for her grandmother’s life. She moved her grandmother into her home in Charleston, S.C., and served as her grandmother’s primary caregiver until her death about two years later.

Robertson, now 38, is not alone. Millennials are the fastest-growing cohort among Florida’s 2.9 million family caregivers.

During 2017, according to a recent AARP report, Florida family caregivers of all generations contributed an estimated $31 billion in uncompensated care for their loved ones, putting in a jaw-dropping 2.4 billion hours of personal care.

But with more than 74,000 Floridians on a state waiting list for caregiver support services and nearly twice that many residing in assisted-living facilities and nursing homes, Florida government is falling further and further behind in its commitment to support these family caregivers.

Earlier this year, Robertson traveled to Tallahassee as a newly appointed AARP volunteer to recount her experiences to a Florida state legislative committee considering legislation that would weaken state standards for nursing care in nursing homes. Robertson pleaded with lawmakers to keep care standards strong.

“We stand on the shoulders of our elders,” she said. “They are part of a virtuous cycle of family growth that keeps society moving in the right direction.”

After extensive advocacy by AARP staff, volunteers (including Robertson) and more than 1,000 contacts by AARP members, legislators revised their approach and retained the most important care standards protecting Florida nursing-home residents.

But the issue remained in question as the 2020 Florida legislative session neared its scheduled March 13 adjournment, with AARP continuing to fight hard to maintain care standards in nursing homes.

Robertson also sat for a wrenching, deeply personal interview with AARP Florida, generously sharing her reflections on her caregiving experiences and her insights on how Florida could better support caregivers now and in the future. To view the video, go here.

To join AARP Florida’s fight to improve Florida’s long-term care, go here.