The Toronto Star — Opinion: As disabled people increasingly outlive their parents, many siblings struggle to take on new care responsibilities 

Canadians who are autistic or who have intellectual disability are living longer, reflecting significant medical progress and a decline in institutionalization, which shortened peoples’ lives. 

This growing longevity also brings new considerations for families. Many disabled people are now outliving their parents, leaving siblings to step into the care role. 

Most siblings are unprepared for this life-changing transition and lack the necessary support and resources to succeed. We need a societal shift in how we view this care relationship so both disabled people and their siblings, can live in dignity and security in their later years and as family roles evolve. 

Our new study examined the relationship between disabled people and their siblings during times of major life-changing transitions, including when parents can no longer provide care due to illness or death.