Carers can be any age.
Children and young adults (under 25 years of age) are called young carers. Young carers provide support to someone with a chronic illness or disability, such as Young Onset Parkinson’s Disease (YOPD).
These carers play a vital role in helping their loved ones. They often take on a wide range of tasks, including providing emotional support, assisting with mobility, administering medications, doing housework, paying bills, and helping with personal care tasks.
Young carers face unique challenges, including balancing their caregiving responsibilities with school, work, and social activities. They may experience emotional stress, feelings of isolation, and a lack of understanding from peers and teachers. Additionally, the fluctuating nature of YOPD can make caregiving unpredictable and demanding. Many young carers face a lack of support networks, participate in fewer recreational opportunities, stigma, financial disadvantage, and fewer employment opportunities.
Key Facts
- Young carers are individuals up to 25 years old who provide unpaid care and support to family members or friends with a disability, chronic illness, mental health issues, or who are frail aged
- There are over 391,300 young carers in Australia
- Two-thirds of young primary carers are caring for a parent. Young women and young people from CALD (Culturally and Linguistically Diverse) or Indigenous backgrounds are more likely to be young carers.
References: www.carersaustralia.com.au