Being a young carer

Who are carers?

A carer is someone who provides support at home for parents, brothers or sisters, or any other family member who has a disability, mental illness or other long-term illness.

Being a young carer

The Australian Bureau of Statistics (1998) says that there are 181,000 Carers under 18 in Australia. Being a young carer is an important job. Young carers often have a large responsibility and may have to balance their own needs with those they are looking after. Although being a carer can be a rewarding experience, there may also be times when you feel frustrated, angry or alone. It is important to remember that it is a lot harder to look after someone else if you are not also looking after yourself.

Suggestions for looking after yourself

Taking time out

It may be hard to get time to yourself. However it is important to try and get to do what you enjoy doing. You may want to play a sport, hang out with friends, listen to music or go for a walk.

If possible try to share the care

Caring for someone may be exhausting. To help to look after yourself it may be helpful to share the responsibility of care with someone else. This may be a sister, brother, aunt, uncle or grandparent. Another suggestion is to talk to someone at a Carer Respite Centre Ph 1800 059 059 (from anywhere within Australia).

Support activities

When you are caring for someone you may sometimes feel you are doing it all alone. Friends may not understand what it is like for you. Talking to people who are in a similar situation may be helpful. You may be able to do this by taking part in activities for young carers. The Carers Association in each Australian state can provide you with information about support groups.

Learn about the illness/disability of the person that you are caring for

Knowing about the illness/disability may be helpful in understanding your relative's behaviour or moods. If you are giving medication, it is a good idea to know about the illness/disability.

Talking to someone

It is normal for you to have times when you are feeling angry, frustrated, guilty, sad, scared or worried. During those times it may be helpful to talk to someone you trust about how you are feeling. Friends, other carers, and family are people who might be helpful to speak with. If these feelings are stopping you from doing day to day things it may be helpful to see someone like a counsellor. Check out Who can help you section for more information about how counsellors can help you.

Your rights as a young carer

As a young carer you should be:

• Able to choose to be a carer. You should expect to be treated separately from the person needing care.
• Heard, listened to, and believed.
• Be respected.
• Able to receive respite and other health, social and practical support that are specific to your needs.
• Protected from physical and psychological harm.
• Offered access to trained individuals and agencies who can provide information, advice and support.
• Able to access independent and confidential representation in terms of needs, strengths, weaknesses and racial, cultural, and religious preferences.
• Able to appeal and complain.
• Able to choose to stop caring.

For more information

Carers Australia (State and Territory Associations) - 1800 242 636

Carers Respite Centre - 1800 059 059