Example: Meet Hana, A Young Caregiver
Meet Hana: Before she leaves for work, Hana helps her dad get dressed and put on his prosthetic legs, translates for her mom at a medical appointment, and finishes a school assignment. Hana’s day provides a glimpse into how different caregiving responsibilities can be part of a young person’s everyday life.
Reflect on Hana’s Experience
Think about the five types of support you just explored.
What types of support is Hana providing?
Hana’s responsibilities cross more than one area of caregiving.
Helping her dad get dressed and put on his prosthetic legs involves physical and personal support, while translating for her mom at a medical appointment is an example of family support. At the same time, Hana is balancing her caregiving responsibilities with other parts of her own life, including work and school.
Key Point: Young caregiving can look different in every family. Understanding the different ways children and youth provide care is the first step in understanding young caregivers.