|
Financial implications for parents working full time and caring for a child with chronic illness
Ajesh George
Margaret Vickers
Lesley Wilkes
University of Western Sydney
Belinda Barton
The Children’s Hospital at Westmead
THE COST OF CARING FOR a child with a chronic illness is a serious concern for parents. Unfortunately, there is limited knowledge about the financial challenges facing full-time working parents who also care for a child with chronic illness. This paper shares some findings from a large mixed-methods study situated in Australia, and presents data from both qualitative interviews and a national survey which explored the challenges and support needs of such parents.
The findings reveal that parents are not benefiting financially from full-time employment, as one would normally expect. We argue that this is because many are employed in low-paid jobs in direct response to their need for flexibility to undertake their caring responsibilities. As well, while taking lower-paid employment, these parents faced high-cost specialised care for their child. Further, owing to their often unique support arrangements, many of the existing support entitlements available in Australia are not available to them. Full-time working parents who care for a child with chronic illness struggle financially to care for themselves and their child. They are in need of more specific financial support from government.
Australasian Journal of Early Childhood – Volume 36 No 3 September 2011
Don't forget, Australasian Journal of Early Childhood is tax deductible for early childhood professionals
You can purchase this issue of the Australasian Journal of Early Childhood now.
|
