A Guide for young carers (11-18 years)

Introduction There is a growing number of children and young people between 11-18 years

who have the responsibility for the care of a family member or loved ones because of disability, illness, frail age, mental illness or a drug and alcohol addiction.

This guide will be looking at young carers from age (11-18) years, the impact of caring for someone else on these young carers and also ways to offer support for young carers in order for them to relax working with the family and share enjoyable experiences with family members to reduce anxiety and burnout.

Young carer can be defined as children under 18 years who provide care, assistance or support on a regular basis to another family member who is either disabled or has a chronic health condition (McDonald, Kevin and Jacqueline, 2010).

Impact of caring on young carers Bostock, 2010 stated that young carers especially between the ages of

11-18 years experiences attendance, behaviour or concentration problems in class.

They experience social isolation

They are plagued with feelings of worry, anxiety and distress

They may lack connection with the community

Practical task for young carers of age 11-18 years to relax/work with family and reduce anxiety

Exercise enables young carers to relax and refresh

Exercise is useful for relaxing the muscles when they are tight

Exercise takes away emotional stress

Art and craft activities Art and craft enhance the mind of young carers to be creative

Keeps them engaged and focus away from stress

They can make use of clay and paper painting to express feelings

and love

Practical task of cooking Cooking is part of important chores young carers of this age can do

Good and healthy cooking can be encouraged through proper support for young carers

Personal care task for young carers Personal care and hygiene is quite important for young carers

Going through washing, dressing and looking good themselves is important

Being conscious of their oral care and not depriving themselves of proper sleep would be beneficial

Support available for young carers

Life Assist member of uniting care support group, lifeline 1300 ASSIST (1300 277 478) www.lifeassist.org.au/carer-wellbeing. Looking after the welfare of young carers

ReachOut.com. Assisting young carers to support themselves, life line 13 11 14, www.reachout .com

Sane carers forum for family, friends and other young carers caring for someone with mental health issues. www.saneforums.org

Carers support. www.carersupport.org .au. Looking after the welfare of young carers. Help line 08 8379 5777

Mind Australia-young carers support group, carer Helpline 1300 550 265 http://www.mindaustralia.org.au/

Martins Olusegun