At 62, Althea Smith Finds Strength in the Second Act of Caregiving

Smith’s journey began without the traditional support systems she now works to provide for her grandson. Raised by her grandmother, “Big Mama,” she faced early motherhood at 15 and struggled through personal addiction and a series of difficult relationships. Her professional life eventually found solid ground in the medical field, where she spent 27 years after earning a certification, despite lacking a high school diploma for most of her adult life. This resilience defined her path, even as she purchased her first home in 2009 and navigated the complexities of single motherhood.

Everything changed in 2020 when her daughter’s mental health declined, leading Smith to take on the full-time care of her grandson. The transition required her to become a licensed foster parent, managing the bureaucratic hurdles of the system while providing the stability her grandson needed. Following her mother’s death earlier this month, the emotional toll of serving as a primary caregiver for two generations has been immense. Yet, Smith continues to push forward, recently completing her high school diploma and earning an associate degree. With retirement from her current role planned for the end of the year, she is already looking toward a new career as an adult support worker and the freedom to travel once her grandson reaches adulthood.