Census 2011 will be the first time that Young Carers will be asked about their caring roles and responsibilities, so it is extremely important that they are included when completing the Census form. Accurate figures on the number of Young Carers and the extent of care that they provide will enable the planning and provision of better support services to help Young Carers.
What is a Young Carer?
A Young Carer is a child or young person under 18 years whose life is affected in a significant way by the need to provide care for a family or household member who has an illness, disability, addiction or other care requirement.
Are you a Young Carer?
If you answer yes to any of the following questions than you may be a Young Carer and you should answer Question 22 on the Census form.
Do you:
Care for a grandparent, parent, brother, sister or other family member?
Help someone who is impaired to dress or undress because they are impaired?
Help someone who is impaired to walk, get up the stairs, get into and out bed?
Help someone who is impaired to use the toilet or have a bath?
Help someone who is impaired to eat and drink?
Give medicines to someone who is impaired, give injections or change dressings?
Prepare special food or diet because of the medical needs of the person?
Do housework because an adult is impaired?
Provide emotional support for someone who is unwell or impaired?
Look after siblings because an adult is unwell or impaired?
Take on a supportive role for the main Carer?
Learn More About Ireland’s Young Carers
Study of Young Carers in the Irish Population – Main Report
Study of Young Carers in the Irish Population – Briefing Note
Briefing Note for Young People
Did you know?
Three percent of adults were the only carer for the person they looked after and a further 3% were the main carer either solely or jointly with another person.
Almost half of all carers (47%) spent more than 15 hours per week providing care for the main person they cared for, with one in five carers (21%) spending more than 57 hours per week on caring activities