Appreciating the Role of Young Caregivers
Photo by Kristine Wook on Unsplash.
Yesterday was Young Carers Action Day, a UK-based awareness day organized each year by the Carers Trust charity. Young Carers Action Day is “a day for raising public awareness of young carers and young adult carers, the pressures and challenges they face, and the incredible contribution they make by caring for their family members and friends.” Even though this not an occasion recognized in Canada, I fully support the concept. I was a young caregiver myself, so the vision behind this day is particularly meaningful for me.
A young carer, or young caregiver, is a child, youth, or even a young adult who helps to provide care for a sibling, parent, or grandparent who may or may not live in their home. According to 2012 statistics, approximately 27% of Canadians between the ages of 15 and 29 were caring for a friend or family member with a physical or mental disability, a long-term health condition, or who experienced health problems related to aging. That’s a total of 1.9 million young Canadians providing care while they themselves are still growing physically, emotionally, and mentally. A large portion of these young people are taking care of their grandparents, most of whom are reaching their end of life.
Having children and teenagers participate in providing care to family members can be beneficial for those young people in terms of developing their sense of independence and competence, and in building their empathy and compassion. However, it is important to recognize that too much adult responsibility can result in unnecessary stress, anxiety, and depression.
Young people with too many caregiving duties can end up frequently missing school and failing to complete homework. They may also become isolated from their peers who cannot relate to their homelife experiences. It is important to regularly check in on any young people serving in a caregiving capacity and ensure that they have sufficient support for their own needs and that they can appropriately balance caregiving and school responsibilities.
If you have a young caregiver in your life or you are one yourself, and you would like to either support or participate in a program for young caregivers, there are several in Canada to check out:
Hospice Toronto’s Young Carers Program
Support Matters: A Guide for Young Carers and Their Allies
The Ontario Caregiver Association Young Caregiver Connect Program
Young Caregivers Association™ Powerhouse Program
Young Carers Project
I will be facilitating a virtual Caregivers Death Café through Home Hospice Association on Monday, April 3rd, 2023 at 7:00PM. You can register to attend here.