Young Carers: Family care in palliative situations

Serious illnesses, unfavourable medical prognoses or end-of-life care for carers are painful, life-shattering situations that challenge and overwhelm even adults. Children, adolescents and young adults who have to deal with such situations need the necessary help from their environment. There is evidence that professionals often lack the knowledge and tools to address, support and accompany young carers in such difficult situations in an appropriate way. For this reason, the development of support structures for young carers in palliative care situations is urgently needed.

In April 2021, the Young Carers Team of the Careum School of Health in Zurich, Switzerland, launched a new research project “Young Carers in Palliative Situations”. The aim is to investigate the specific needs of young carers in palliative care situations, as well as what services are already available. Based on the findings, content and lists of services will be prepared and new support tools will be developed. All the activities will be carried out with the participation of young carers and experts from the fields of health, education and social services.

The project is funded by the Gloria Grathwohl Palliative Foundation.

Further information can be found here.