Background/Aim: Caring for a family member who is approaching the end of their life can be challenging. As primary caregivers, family members assist with physical/medical tasks, make financial/medical decisions, provide emotional support, and advocate within the healthcare system. Young carers face additional challenges in this role. This presentation explores the emotional and logistical challenges that young caregivers face in palliative care, as well as the resources and support that can make a difference in their ability to cope. 

 

Methods: Sisters Kelly and Karina will share their personal experiences caring for their palliative father. This will be combined with empirical research to explore the impact of having a parent in palliative care on young caregivers and ways to support them.

Results: The presentation indicates that being a young carer is associated with unique challenges. Young carers have less time to develop crucial care taking skills, have difficulty navigating important milestones, and often feel isolated from peers. Young people who care for their parents are also at greater risk of psychosocial outcomes including poorer psychological functioning and deteriorations in family dynamics and communication. However, some young carers experience positive aspects such as posttraumatic growth. While previous research indicates that psychosocial interventions for family members can attenuate negative outcomes, through personal experience the presenters highlight the limited availability of such care, and need for services which cater to the unique experience and challenges of young care givers.
 

Conclusion: The presentation offers a thought-provoking perspective on the importance of supporting young caregivers through the palliative care process and the need for greater awareness and services for this vulnerable population. It also provides recommendations and resources for healthcare professionals in palliative care who support young caregivers in this context. Through a combination of personal narrative, research insights, and practical tips, this presentation will provide a rich and engaging exploration of the emotional landscape of caring for a prematurely ill parent.