No, They’re Not “Too Young” for Homecare: Why Disability Support Must Start Earlier

Jenna Fralick, BScN RN

Let’s Talk About the Elephant in the Room

When people hear “homecare,” they often picture an older adult recovering after a hospital stay or needing help in their final years. But that narrow image leaves out an entire population of people who need support too—differently abled persons, many of them young adults, living full lives while navigating long-term disabilities.

The truth is: homecare is not just for seniors.And when we delay care for younger people because they’re “too young” or “not sick enough,” we fail them—and their families.

Younger Adults Living with Disabilities Are Being Left Out

In Nova Scotia, over 237,000 residents live with a disability, representing nearly one in four adults (Statistics Canada, 2017). A significant portion of those individuals are under 65 and require regular support to live independently, manage chronic conditions, or maintain quality of life.

Many families with differently abled young adults struggle quietly—juggling care tasks with full-time work, parenting, or health concerns of their own. And because the dominant narrative focuses on seniors, younger people with disabilities are often invisible in homecare discussions (Williams et al., 2020).

What Reliable Homecare for Disabilities Really Looks Like

Reliable homecare for disabilities isn’t about doing everything for someone. It’s about doing things with them—and in a way that respects their independence, communication preferences, and life stage.

A strong care plan might include:

• Personal care like assistance with grooming, dressing, or hygiene

• Transport for elderly and disabled individuals to work, school, or social activities

• Companion care to reduce isolation

• Help with medication routines, nutrition, or light housekeeping

• Support for executive function or mental health routines

And most importantly—it supports the family, too. Parents and siblings are often default caregivers, but they’re rarely given tools, training, or rest. Respite care and customized in-home care plans reduce burnout and preserve relationships.

Breaking the Myth: “They’re Too Young”

Here’s the hard truth: many families wait far too long to access homecare, believing it’s “not appropriate” for someone under 60—or even under 40. But that delay doesn’t protect anyone—it just increases stress, creates more complex crises later, and often leads to mental health strain for both caregiver and client (Fast et al., 2021).

There is no minimum age to need help. Support is based on need, not age. And for families of differently abled persons, early support creates long-term success—emotionally, financially, and practically.

What Nova Scotian Families Need to Hear

If you’re in Nova Scotia and you’re caring for a younger adult with a disability, know this: You are not alone—and support is available.

There are programs that can supplement or partner with private homecare options, but many families don’t know where to begin or who to ask. That’s why education, community connection, and real talk are just as important as service delivery.

It’s time to normalize homecare for people of all ages—not just for “Grandma after a fall,” but for your son, daughter, sibling, or partner navigating daily life with courage and resilience.

📍Need support for a younger adult with a disability? Learn how we create age-appropriate care plans and long-term partnerships HERE

References

Fast, J., Keating, N., & Lero, D. (2021). Supporting caregivers in Canada: Key policy and practice directions.Healthcare Policy, 17(2), 12–24. https://doi.org/10.12927/hcpol.2021.26655

Statistics Canada. (2017). Canadian Survey on Disability, 2017: Nova Scotia Data Tables.https://www150.statcan.gc.ca

Williams, A., Kitchen, P., & McGregor, J. (2020). Caring for caregivers: Policy options for family support. Canadian Public Policy, 46(3), 356–370. https://doi.org/10.3138/cpp.2019-093