How being a caregiver affects your world.
Balancing your caregiving responsibilities with school, work, and everything else going on in your life can be challenging.
School, College/University
Your family situation can make it hard to focus or interfere with your sleep and studying so you don’t get the grades you want. Maybe you don’t have the time, energy, or interest you need to do well in class. Or maybe you’re distracted because you’re worried about how things are going at home while you’re in class. It might be helpful to organize and set goals for yourself so that you can keep your focus.
- Learn how to set SMART goals (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-Bound)
- Download a SMART goals worksheet
In high school, you can connect with a guidance counsellor for individualized support. Guidance counsellors recognize that a portion of their role is to support your mental health and well-being. They will refer you to the appropriate resources available.
In College or University, there are campus wellness or mental health supports available, but will vary depending on the school. Please connect with your campus well-being or wellness centre.
- Talk with your teachers or professors about your caregiving responsibilities and how they might impact you at school. They may be able to accommodate you with a more flexible schedule or extend deadlines.
Work
Because of the time commitment of caregiving, young caregivers are more likely to be working part-time, if at all, which can put a strain on you financially. If you are working, it can be difficult to balance your work schedule and the needs of the person you’re caring for. You may need additional tools to support you in balancing your work and caregiving roles.
- Discuss your situation with your employer and how it may impact you at work. They may be willing to be more flexible with your schedule or work responsibilities.
Learn more about Working Caregivers or download the OCO toolkit – WORK AND CAREGIVING: A BALANCING ACT Toolkit for Working Caregivers
Where you live can impact your role and level of support. For example, you may have a different support system living in a small town versus living in a big city. It is important to build your circle of support. Download the OCO’s “I am a Caregiver Toolkit” to help you create your own circle of support.
If your family moved to Canada from another country, family member may ask you to help with translating, contacting service providers and healthcare organizations, reading bills and more. There are different support systems available to assist you with your transition to life in Canada. In primary and secondary school, look for Settlement Workers in Schools who can provide referrals to resources you need. In colleges and universities, there are often Newcomer supports available on campus.
The health care system
In your role as caregiver, you might have to talk to doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and others who don’t want to tell you information because of your age, or they don’t understand your role in your family. Or they provide information in a way that you don’t understand. Check out these tips about how be taken seriously.
OCO provides information on How to Care for an Adult which contains useful information on Navigating the Healthcare System
Additional supports:
- Good2talk
- ConnexOntario
- 211 Ontario
- Kidshelpphone.ca
- Connect with other young caregivers. Join our online peer support group or be part of the conversation in the online forum
Not sure where to start? Call our 24/7 helpline or talk to us in our live chat to find resources in your community.
