CAN Africa Network Newsletter 2025
Voice of the Care Giver
A Mother’s Journey: Caring for an Adult Child with Multiple Disabilities By Olive Tibekinga
As my son grows older and as I grow older too the challenges of caring for him have become heavi-er than ever.”
I am a parent of a 42-year-old son with multiple disabilities. He became sick when he was just two years old.
Over the years, I have lovingly cared for him, but the demands have grown as both of us age. I would like to share some of the challenges I face today, in the hope of connect-ing with other parents and encour-aging more spaces for caregiver support.
Physical Strain and Daily Care
My son has grown heavier, and I can no longer manage many of his daily tasks alone. Bathing him, helping him use the toilet, taking him outside for sunshine, and supporting his physiotherapy have become physically overwhelming for me.
Limited Access to Assistive Devices
He has outgrown his wheelchair,and I cannot afford a new one. Without it, I often have no option but to carry him something that is diffi-cult, tiring, and unsafe for both of us. Challenges in Hiring Caregivers Finding a caretaker is expensive and complicated. Since my son is now a grown man, it is difficult to employ young female caregivers who may not feel comfortable bathing or at-tending to him. This means I must handle most of his personal care myself.
Healthcare Barriers
When my son is sick, it is hard to find a doctor who understands his con-dition. Transporting him to a medi-cal facility is even more challenging unless I have access to a car, which is not always guaranteed.
