Story: Household management

Jan Moss of Auckland, shown here in 2007, cared for a severely disabled daughter and an elderly mother-in-law. Up from 4 or 5 a.m. (when her daughter woke) until about 9 p.m., Moss's day included all the ordinary household tasks – making beds, washing clothes, dressing, making meals and doing dishes – along with dealing with government agencies that supplied services. The need to attend to her daughter and mother-in-law slowed everything down. Balancing their needs, the vigilance required to protect her 23-year-old daughter (who had severe epilepsy and the understanding of a pre-schooler) and the long hours of work made Moss's day very tiring.