Pandemic piles more onto existing ‘double layer of exhaustion’ for caregivers of kids with complex needs
Jacqui Cameron and her 18-year-old son Rylan. (Submitted by Jacqui Cameron)

Jacqui Cameron was used to the toll of her son’s daily care. Seizures, feeding tubes, his incontinence and no sleep were all norms in her life.

Now, with the pandemic, the Regina caregiver has even more to worry about.

“We live with a double layer of exhaustion and now COVID is on top of that,” she said.

Cameron’s 18-year-old son Rylan is home from school due to worries about his health and his cognitive inability to maintain social distance.

A respite nurse comes once a week for three hours. Cameron said she used to have more workers come in to help, but the risks from COVID are too great.

Cameron and her family are far from alone.

Heidi Prpick Schneider is a caregiver for her daughter in Davidson. Six-year-old Marlee has a genetic neurological condition called Rett syndrome. She requires a lot of help from day to day.

When COVID hit, it magnified an already profound level of isolation.

Read more on the CBC.

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