“Now We Spend Every Waking Hour Together”: Experiences of Young Carers in the COVID-19 Pandemic

The current study was part of a larger longitudinal study of the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on young carers in Ontario. This study focused on young carers’ experiences during Winter 2021, approximately one year after the World Health Organization (WHO) declared COVID-19 a global pandemic. Seven participants, ages 16-25, completed semi-structured interviews in February and March of 2021. Interviews were analyzed using Braun and Clarke’s (2006) approach to thematic analysis. The following themes were identified: (1) unique needs, (2) concerns about impacts of COVID-19, (3) impacts of COVID-19 on time with family, (4) impacts on young carer mental health, (5) young carers’ ways of coping, and (6) support that is needed. The findings of this study point towards every young carer having unique experiences and their own needs for support during and outside of the pandemic. The Discussion highlights suggestions for government, service providers, policy-makers, and researchers in Ontario.