October 18, 2024
Who Are Canada’s Young Caregivers?
1.9 million Canadian youth from 15 to 24 are family caregivers. Experts agree this number is low, since it excludes children under 15. On average, young carers provide 6.2 hours of care a week to grandparents, parents, neighbours and siblings, but 10% of young caregivers provide over 20 hours a care a week. While many report a sense of pride in helping their families, the consequences of being a young caregiver can be serious and long-lasting.
Why are the consequences so concerning? Young caregivers face unique penalties because of their role. They are less likely to be social with peers, since their time is required at home. They’re more likely to be isolated and even bullied. 1 in 5 report caregiving interferes with their studies or work, and when the role becomes entrenched, this can have lifelong consequences. Mental health impacts can become serious, with suicidal ideation and actual attempts higher for caregiving youth compared to their peers. And the biggest hurdle to overcome is that, in spite of the potentially grave outcomes, young caregivers in Canada are largely invisible.
RECOGNIZING YOUNG CAREGIVERS
When a young caregiver receives support early on, negative outcomes can be mitigated considerably. Today in Canada, awareness of the issue is comparatively low. Healthcare workers, extended family, and teachers, often in the best position to spot young carers, may not catch on until a youth is in crisis. Many families feel a sense of shame in relying on a child for support and try to hide their family circumstances. This is even more pronounced for vulnerable populations such as Indigenous communities, who have historical reasons to fear interference with their families. Elevating awareness of young caregivers is the first step Canadians need to take.
LOOKING TO THE UK AS A LEADER IN SUPPORTING YOUNG CARERS
The UK provides an exceptional example for how governments can support young family caregivers. The Care Act 2014 provides young caregivers legal rights that protect them from care obligations that interfere with their own growth, health, and development. Young caregivers have the right to an assessment that opens the door to a range of supports, including financial benefits ranging from tax breaks on gas to an actual allowance paid to the carer. In Canada, not only do young caregivers lack any specific rights, they are unable to access financial supports that are available to adults, placing a higher financial burden on the most vulnerable caregivers in our nation.
HOW CAN CANADIANS HELP YOUNG CAREGIVERS?
How can we help young caregivers in Canada?
- Healthcare workers and school staff need education and resources
The earlier a young caregiver is spotted, the more likely they are to avoid care-related challenges. Healthcare workers and school staff are in the best position to identify youth who provide family care. Providing staff with education on young caregivers will increase the number of youth who are properly identified. Schools should develop policies about how to accommodate young caregivers and need funding to ensure they’re able to meet those needs. And healthcare workers should be given resources to refer families in need.
- Communities can step up by checking in
Neighbours can offer support by checking in and helping with tasks like taking out the trash, grocery shopping, and cleaning. Just listening can be a big help. If appropriate, neighbors can help the family by letting them know what resources might be available and potentially helping them take the steps needed to access support.
- Family members need to share the responsibility
Family members who may not live in the household need to ensure their younger family members have a well-balanced childhood that includes only developmentally appropriate degrees of responsibility. Extended families must share the caregiving role and assist their loved ones in accessing services. Families should communicate with school staff to ensure education accommodations reflect the youth’s needs. Meeting with the extended family to create a caregiving plan can change the course of the young caregiver’s life.
- Destigmatize reliance on young caregivers
When a young caregiver receives appropriate support, negative outcomes can not only be avoided, but the young person can take a great deal of pride in their role and feel connected to their family. Parents who rely on their children often feel embarrassed and may avoid seeking support as a result. By letting them know they’re cared for and not placing judgement, families will be more likely to seek support.
- Donate to CareMakers. We fund a number of organizations that support young caregivers, including
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Saint John Inc
It’s time for Canadians to recognize the needs of young caregivers. Playing a key role in family life can be a positive for young people when balanced with their needs.
