Helping young caregivers of people living with dementia!
A capstone research project conducted by Master's students at the University of Toronto in the Translational Research Program.
@C4C_TRP
In affiliation with:
Learn more about our project
Meet our inspiration: Alicia & Ty
Read & watch Alicia's story below!
*YCPLWD = Young caregivers of people living with dementia
About Caregiving and Dementia
Who are young caregivers?
Young caregivers are people under the age of 25 who provide significant, voluntary care to an individual living with a disability (intellectual or physical), mental health concern, chronic illness, substance misuse condition, or socioeconomic factor (language barrier, etc.) (Hamilton & Adamson, 2013; Young Caregivers Association, 2020).
Caregiving x Dementia
Individuals who are caregivers for people living with dementia are at a higher risk of experiencing social isolation due to their increased caregiving responsibilities (Brodaty & Donkin, 2009; Kovaleva et al., 2018; Lindeza et al., 2020; LoGiudice et al., 1998; Ory et al., 1999). These caregivers dedicate more time to the people they provide care for, thus reducing their opportunities to engage in social interaction, such as socializing with friends and family, pursuing hobbies, or obtaining employment (Brodaty & Donkin, 2009).
What is dementia?
Dementia refers to multiple conditions that impair cognitive function and interfere with daily life (Medical Advisory Secratariat, 2008).
Our Project
Our Goal
Caring4Carers wants to help:
Young caregivers of people living with dementia (YCPLWD)
What is social connection?
Social connection is:
- How individuals connect to each other
- Consists of multiple aspects such as social connectedness
Phase 1: Focus Group
YCPLWD will:
Share their experiences on social connection
This phase will:
Inform phase 2 of our project (co-design workshop)
Phase 2: Co-Design Workshop
YCPLWD will:
Contribute ideas and feedback to Design Requirements for an intervention
Co-create an intervention and/or improve or adapt an existing intervention to address social connection of YCPLWD
News
Young Carers Action Day
Toronto Dementia Research Alliance Post featuring our Capstone Team Member, Tyler Redublo
Caring for Young Caregivers/Care Partners Article
Toronto Dementia Research Alliance announcement, featuring our Capstone Team
MindVine Podcast
Who are we?
We are Master’s students in the Translational Research Program at the University of Toronto. We are passionate about healthcare, addressing person-centred needs, and making a positive impact in dementia and caregiving communities! Together, we make the team, Caring4Carers.
In addition to our core team, we are supported by our Capstone Faculty Supervisors and Project Advisory Committee.
OUR TEAM
Allison Alvares
HBSc, MHSc Student
Capstone Team Member
Tyler Redublo
HBSc, MHSc Student
YCPLWD
Capstone Team Member
Mehrdad Farahani
MD, MHSc Student
Capstone Team Member
Richard Foty, PhD
Translational Research Program
Capstone Faculty Supervisor
Edyta Marcon, PhD
Translational Research Program
Capstone Faculty Supervisor
Camryn Berry, MSc, Knowledge Transfer and Exchange Associate
Former young caregiver of a person living with cognitive impairment
Project Advisory Committee Member
Kate Sellen, PhD
Associate Professor, Canada Research Chair Tier 2
Project Advisory Committee Member
Heather Boon, PhD
Acting VP, People Strategy, Equity & Culture
Project Advisory Committee Member
GET INVOLVED
Join a focus group
Join a co-design workshop
Do you know a young caregiver of someone living with dementia!
Please share!
Helping young caregivers of people living with dementia!
263 McCaul St.
Toronto, ON
M5T 1W5
289-221-7375
caring4carers.trp@utoronto.ca