Abstract

Intersectionality of identities—minority, youth, and caregiver—situated within the current health crisis of the COVID-19 pandemic may combine to impact vulnerable young African and Latino caregivers, “young carers,” helping in the care of older adults with Alzheimer's and related dementias (ADRD). This qualitative study aimed to describe these vulnerable, minority young caregivers’ experiences and changes due to the pandemic. As part of a larger study on caregiver identification of crises and early warning signs of ADRD in the Latino and African American community, Latino or African American youth (N = 20) were interviewed to assess how the COVID-19 pandemic was affecting/had affected their care experiences. Qualitative interviews with youth lasted between 20 and 40 minutes and were transcribed for clarity and analyzed using conventional content analysis. Several themes emerged from the interviews, including lack of respite care, increased or decreased caregiving, changes in care recipient mood, changes in the caregiver’s schooling, and increased young carer worry. Participants described a complex identity—that of caregivers, youth, and students. Youth report similar care task stressors as adult caregivers, but the latter’s stressors may be amplified via intersectionality with other at-risk group memberships, especially during pandemic-induced social isolation, and limited care supports, which have disproportionately affected minority communities of color. Thus, minority youth providing care during a global health crisis may experience uniquely powerful stressors that require additional support as the health crisis continues, despite aspects of normal daily life resuming.