Knowledge and experiences of young people (ages 14-35) across Canada with care, aging and dementia
Young people play a bigger role in caregiving than many realize. This study invites you to share your experiences, knowledge, and questions about care, aging, and dementia
Across Canada, many young people play important roles in supporting adults through physical and household tasks, offering emotional support, and navigating the health system for their family member. We call these young people “young caregivers” or “young carers.” Young caregivers might be providing care to someone living with dementia, yet their knowledge and perspectives in these roles are not well understood. Very little research has asked young people directly about what they know and what they need when it comes to aging, caregiving, and dementia.
This project aims to change this!
Working in collaboration with the Young Caregiver Council of Canada and the Young Caregivers Association, our team developed a comprehensive, youth‑informed survey to learn more about the knowledge and experiences of young people (ages 14–35) across Canada with care, aging, and dementia.
Our Research Objectives
01
Understand young people’s knowledge, experiences, and attitudes about aging, care, and dementia.
02
Learn about the caregiving roles and supports young people currently have or need, including those supporting older adults living with dementia.
03
Identify gaps in education, resources, and services that could better support youth who are caregivers today or may become caregivers in the future.
04
Develop better questions and tools for understanding youth caregiving and perspectives on aging and dementia.
Want to join our Research Study?
If participating in this study interests you, follow the link below to take our screening survey.
Related Research
Grigorovich, A., Norman, R., Dupuis, S., Smale, B., & Kontos, P. (2024). Stigma associated with dementia among recreation and leisure studies students and professionals. Leisure/Loisir, 1–22. https://doi.org/10.1080/14927713.2024.2437419
Norman, R. A. (2024). A guide to supporting young carers through relational leisure and practice. Relational Child and Youth Care Practice, 37(3), 38-60. https://www.rcycp.com/
Meet the Team
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Dr. Alisa Grigorovich
Principal Investigator Brock University
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Camryn Berry
Co–Investigator Young Caregiver Council of Canada
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Dr. Pia Kontos
Co-Investigator University Health Network - University of Toronto
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Dr. Bryan Smale
Co-Investigator University of Waterloo
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Dr. Rosanne Aleong
Co-Investigator Baycrest Centre for Geriatric Care; Centre for Aging + Brain Health Innovation
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Dr. Rebecca Raby
Co-Investigator Brock University
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Dr. Sherry Dupuis
Co-Investigator University of Waterloo
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Rebekah Gold
Research Assistant Brock University; Young Caregiver Council of Canada
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Madalena Liougas
Research Assistant University Health Network - University of Toronto; Young Caregiver Council of Canada
