Young Caregivers

1 in 5 Canadian youths

are caregivers.

Are you one of them?

Young caregivers are children, youth, and young adults ages 5 to 25 who provide care for a family member due to a chronic illness, disability, mental health concern or substance misuse.

Young caregivers help their family members in various ways by providing personal, emotional, or financial support. Most young caregivers are unpaid.

When compared to non-caregiving peers, research reveals that young caregivers are at a greater risk of stress and depressive symptoms, low self-esteem, high anxiety levels, loneliness and isolation, difficulty relating to peers, self-harm and even suicidal ideation.

What is Our Role in Supporting Young Caregivers?

Young caregivers often go unrecognized by:

Family doctors
Teachers
Other community professionals

This lack of identification leads to:

Inadequate support
Increased risk to their mental health and wellbeing

Collaborative efforts by can:

Bolster academic performance and school life
Tackle isolation, particularly post-pandemic
Identify and support previously overlooked young caregivers

Building Your Support Network

as a Young Caregiver

Feeling isolated as a caregiver is common, but you don't have to face challenges alone. A support network of family, friends, and fellow caregivers can provide emotional comfort and practical assistance. Here are some ways to strengthen your support system:

Share your experiences: Opening up builds trust and deeper connections.

Ask for help: It's okay to admit you need support - everyone does.

Reach out to loved ones: Let family and friends assist with tasks to reduce your stress.

Join caregiver support groups: Connect with others who understand your journey.

Meet new people: Forming connections, especially with other caregivers, can be rewarding.

Remember, seeking support is a sign of strength, not weakness. You deserve care and compassion too.

National Caregiver Day, the first Tuesday of April, is an opportunity to recognize every person, at any age, who is taking on a caregiver role and the important work that they are doing to support the people around them. You don't have to wait for this day to show your support for a young caregiver. Here are some ways you can support young caregivers right now!

•Express gratitude: Send a heartfelt thank you note or card to caregivers you know.

•Offer respite: Give caregivers a break by offering to take over their duties for a few hours or a day.

•Host an appreciation event: Organize a small gathering or virtual event to celebrate caregivers in your community.

•Share resources: Provide information on support groups, respite services, or caregiver workshops.

•Give a thoughtful gift: Consider practical items like gift cards, self-care baskets, or meal delivery services.

•Raise awareness: Share information about caregiving on social media or in your local community.

•Volunteer: Offer your time to organizations that support caregivers and their loved ones.

•Listen and support: Sometimes, simply being there to listen can mean a lot to a caregiver.

•Advocate: Support policies and initiatives that benefit caregivers and those they care for.

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