Dawnita Brown's Transition to Full-Time Caregiving
In 2016, Dawnita Brown took leave from her government job to volunteer with the Peace Corps in Eswatini. Her plans to extend her time abroad changed in 2018 when her mother, Joan Cain, experienced a brain stem stroke. Brown returned to Baltimore, where her mother recovered with a challenging prognosis.
Brown assumed the role of her mother's proxy during rehabilitation and nursing facility stays. Due to concerns regarding the quality of external care, Brown subsequently left her job to provide full-time care for her mother at home.
The Broader Context of Long-Term Care
More than two-thirds of individuals aged 65 are projected to require some form of long-term care, such as in-home assistance, assisted living, or nursing home services. The annual cost of these services frequently exceeds the average American income. Health insurers, both governmental and private, may not provide comprehensive coverage, leading many to rely on unpaid family caregivers. In 2021, AARP estimated the value of unpaid family care at $600 billion.
Brown manages her caregiving financially through a combination of Medicare, supplemental insurance, and her mother's pension. She is debt-free, a status achieved prior to her Peace Corps service. Brown has reported not having a steady income for nearly 10 years and has not contributed to a retirement fund, while also stating her personal needs are met.
Expanding Caregiving Responsibilities
In 2024, Brown's father, Bill Lee Brown, moved into her home after complications from multiple myeloma made independent living difficult. Brown now provides care for both parents, managing responsibilities such as medication administration, meal preparation, appointment scheduling, and coordinating additional assistance as needed. This requires frequent movement between the upper and lower floors of her residence.
Founding The Binti Circle
In 2021, Brown established the Binti Circle, a community for caregivers. The organization's name is derived from the Swahili word for daughter. The Binti Circle holds monthly meetings and events, aiming to provide support, reduce stress, and foster a sense of community among caregivers. Brown states that the community equips caregivers with essential skills and tools for their role.
Brown specifically focused on supporting Black daughters in caregiving roles, acknowledging the significant responsibilities often undertaken by daughters. She highlighted challenges such as the physical decline of parents, the emotional impact of changes in a parent's cognitive state, and the grief associated with these changes. The Binti Circle provides a non-judgmental environment for caregivers facing these complexities, including those caring for parents with whom they did not have a traditional parenting relationship.
The Importance of Caregiver Self-Care
A central principle for Binti and Brown is the provision of respite for caregivers. Brown defines self-care beyond typical aesthetic activities, including regular medical appointments, therapy, breathing exercises, and morning devotionals. She also reported experiencing periods of low mood, which she addresses through activities like yoga. Brown has created an outdoor deck space at her home, furnished with repurposed items, succulents, and a fire pit, which she refers to as her 'oasis'. Brown emphasizes that her self-care is essential because her well-being directly impacts the quality of care she provides to others.