Inside the struggles of America's caregivers

About 53 million people in the U.S. are unpaid caregivers, and many of them are simultaneously raising young kids and taking care of a parent, earning them the title "Sandwich Generation." CBS News contributor Lisa Ling, who is a member of this generation, recently shared her personal experience by taking us into her family home. She also introduced us to another family who faced the tough choice of placing their loved one in a nursing home. Today, she shares the story of a caregiver who is determined to keep her mom at home.

Each weekday morning, "CBS Mornings" co-hosts Gayle King, Tony Dokoupil and Nate Burleson bring you the latest breaking news, smart conversation and in-depth feature reporting. "CBS Mornings" airs weekdays at 7 a.m. on CBS and stream it at 8 a.m. ET on the CBS News app.

[goodvideo]

This makes me cry. I cared for my dad unpaid for two years. He died in 2021.

[its_just_kia]

I am glad to see these stories being told. I, with my dad and elder brother, am caring for my mom at home (mom is 80, dad is 82). My mom retired after working in HEALTHCARE (suprisingly) for 44 years!Both parents have Medicare; however, Medicare alone does not cover what she needs. To receive FULL care, my parents would need to have Medicaid which they [my parents] are not eligible for because they own their home and they receive SS of more than $2800 (COMBINED) per month. There is really something wrong with Healthcare in America.

[DawnNa_]

Thank you for sharing this story. I cared for my mother at home until I was unable to continue due to her level of progression and I had no other choice but to place her in a facility. This made me feel less alone ❤

[ChristineC.-bdqr]

I took care of my elderly father and handicapped brother for 18 years until my father passed in 2019, now I just have my brother to take care of. I am also a caregiver by trade, so this is my life 24/7. During the period when my father was alive, it was the hardest time in my life as he had numerous health problems. Trying to work, take care of my father and brother and run a household eventually took a toll on me and I ended up in the hospital shortly after my Dads death. Thank God I am better now, but we as caregivers have to take care of ourselves too, in order to take care of the ones we love.

[hahadarrie]

Love that showed the picture of her in the red. Shows beauty and kindness.

[RoseyPosey]

Thank you, thank you for doing this story. There is such a need in the country for health care. I follow Ty on Instagram. She is an angel!!

[craftmom]

She can get paid for caring for her mom she needs to go to her local department of human services and ask for in home care or respite application

[yessitsbritt]

Im a mother of 2 children with autism and im also helping out with caring for a family member that had a major stroke ..

[altheasherieel]

This is one of the hardest things that you can go through with your parent. My mother has dementia and it was a challenge to care for her cuz she couldn't be left home alone. And I had to eventually get her into a nursing home. And I am constantly an emotional turmoil. Because I miss who my mother was. Someday she knows who you are and other days she doesn't.. You just long to talk to them like you used to and you can't. It's like losing your parents before they leave the Earth it's heartbreaking. My heart goes out to this family. Because I understand many blessings to them

[valeriereed]

That is a tough job. I was a caregiver to my mom for 20 plus years. In the same situation working full-time and raising a child.

[danielledavis]

The military does provide for spouses. The problem is he did not elect the Survivor Benefits to be taken out his check. I know, i am retired military and i have it taken put my check

[TheJoaniejoancansew]

Its a lot of work. I care for my dad free of charge

[JustMe-qqrc]

Horrid, I can't even say what I feel. This lovely woman and her family are her mom's heroes. Our government is a mockery to the American people. We are supporting their continued wealth and nothing else. THEY DON"T G.A.S. about us, unless we make them!

[Avatar]

Good golly I love this series. I gave up my career and any financial future to live the privilege of taking care of my mother that didn't l know my name

[brybryguy]

We need to DO SOMETHING NOW! This is a serious issue we are facing and the federal government is not doing enought. Medicare is a completely broken system. It's insane to think that they do not cover long term care considering more than half of American seniors will require at some point long term care. We faild our duties to our parents and loved ones and to our elderly

[Happinessisachoice]

Her Dad was a Veteran. At a minimum, his widow (her Mom) should get Aid and Attendant, DIC and ChampVA! They said his benefits stopped which if he was getting VA money, then there isn't anyway, the widow wouldn't get a smaller amount. In addition, if her Dad retired from the military she should get SBP. This is the military pension plan that the soldier selects for his wife if she becomes a widow. Some don't and that is truly tragic. They take a higher monthly amount instead.

[Rice]

Women, please stop providing free labor for everybody. Only care for the people who cared for you. Take care of yourselves.

[tecamey]

Yeah, I don’t understand why I can only buy medical insurance for a spouse or a child if I have but not my parents which I had. 😢Our healthcare system sucks.

[anniealexander]

Medicaid will pay for 24 hour care. They will even pay family for the care. But if mom has resources like a home, they will take it.

[JShaw-fwct]

Dear Mrs Lewis, continue to take care of your Mom at home. Let God take care of the finances. Your mom has teeth. I took out my Mommy's parcel teeth each night to soak. Glued them back in each morning when I bathed her. I later pureed her food. Hug her kiss her because I miss my Mom so much. I will do it all again for my Mom.