At what cost? The forgotten needs of young carers

Tasked with caring for family members with special needs, young carers’ own needs are often overlooked by community agencies, according to researchers at Waterloo’s Murray Alzheimer Research and Education Program (MAREP). 

A study of 58 adult and children’s community services in Waterloo region found that just 24 per cent of agencies routinely ask if there is a young person living in the household of a client they serve, and less than a quarter of those ask what responsibilities the young person is expected to shoulder.

Young carers face increased risks

The most recent estimates suggest that up to 12 per cent of Canadians under the age of 25 are young carers. These 1 million youth contribute to their families by providing everything from emotional and financial support, to assistance with physical care.

“There is a gap in our community with regards to providing support to youth who help care for a family member,” said Lisa Loiselle, associate director of research for MAREP and lead researcher on the project. “Many of the agencies we looked at cited funding as a barrier to enhancing their services. This may be the case, but the fact remains, nobody is looking out for these young people.”

Young carers often report their own needs are overlooked as a result of their unique family situation, which puts them at risk for reduced participation in in leisure activities, compromised relationships with friends and increased levels of stress.

“Based on our study, the most significant impact of being a young carer is being, in a sense, invisible. Resoundingly, young carers reported that they just want to be recognized for their contributions and to be seen and heard.”

New resources for youth

Earlier this month, MAREP, in partnership with the Young Carer Project, launched three new resources to increase support for young carers:

Support Matters — the latest addition to MAREP’s By Us For Us series, examines factors that are important in the lives of young carers and suggests ways to manage and cope with responsibilities. The guide also provides advice and guidance to adults and organizations on ways in which they can better support young carers in their community.

Young Carers —  a short documentary film, portrays the lives of five young carers from Waterloo region. The film illustrates the diverse range of responsibilities they have and the impact of their experiences on different aspects of their lives.

Launched alongside the guide and documentary, a new website provides online resources for young carers and individuals or organizations looking to support them.

“These resources are intended to help close the support gap,” said Loiselle. “They will bring to the forefront of people’s minds the hidden and underserved population of young carers in our community.”