'People are burnt out': Caregivers call for national strategy in wake of new report
A new report is highlighting the struggles of caregivers left to support family members who are aging, sick, or have disabilities, and is calling on a national strategy to recognize the financial and mental toll the often unpaid jobs can take.
The results of an online survey conducted by the Canadian Centre for Caregiving Excellence involving nearly 3,100 respondents is now shedding light on the rapidly growing problem.
The survey revealed that one-fifth of caregivers are over the age of 65, and who are often in need of help themselves.
On average, respondents said they spend five hours a day delivering care, and one-quarter of respondents reported poor mental health.
"I had my grandmother living with us growing up. First she took care of me, then she developed dementia. I took care of her starting at the age of 10. I saw my mom through a palliative care journey and I’m now caring for my dad who is aging,” explained Linda Mendelsson, executive director at the Canadian Centre for Caregiving Excellence.
Liv Mendelson's story is just one of 6.4 million Canadians who are currently caring for loved ones.
"Most people will be a caregiver once in their lifetime and some people are caring for more than one person: a family member, friend, spouse neighbour,” she said. "We've heard from thousands of caregivers who are in crisis."
Half of respondents said they experienced financial stress over the past year, and 88 per cent of senior caregiver respondents said they want an income tax credit to help with everyday costs.
"The pocketbook issues are real. Caregivers spend about $1,000 on average per month on out of pocket expenses that aren’t covered. It should be a choice whether to put food on the table or care for your mom,” Mendelson said.
She added, "People are burnt out. We saw that definitely through COVID. We are still in that crisis state that we haven't leaned the lessons of COVID."
The Canadian Centre for Caregiving Excellence is now directly working with the federal government.
This year's budget includes consultations to develop a national strategy, which Mendelson said she is honoured to play a role in.
"We are working really hard to build a care movement in this country and create better systems and supports for tomorrow,” she said.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Board orders deportation for trucker in horrific Humboldt Broncos crash
The truck driver who caused the horrific bus crash involving the Humboldt Broncos junior hockey team has been ordered to be deported.
Community mourns victims of fatal boat crash near Kingston, Ont.
The three people killed in last weekend's tragic collision between a speedboat and a fishing boat north of Kingston are being remembered Friday.
A woman took her dog to a shelter to be euthanized. A year later, the dog is up for adoption again
Exhausted and short on options after consulting two veterinary clinics, Kristie Pereira made the gut-wrenching decision last year to take her desperately ill puppy to a Maryland shelter to be euthanized.
Group tied to Islamic State plotted fatal Ontario restaurant shooting: Crown
A gunman who is accused of killing a young Ontario man and shooting four of his family members at their small Mississauga restaurant in 2021 was allegedly part of a trio who had pledged allegiance to the listed terrorist group Islamic State, a Crown attorney said in an opening statement in the Brampton murder trial this week.
'A really bad car crash': Why health experts are raising concerns over surging syphilis cases
A sexually transmitted infection (STI) that was once thought to be a thing of the past is now a public health priority for North American doctors.
Purolator truck drivers from Guelph, Ont. save man walking in Hwy. 407 lanes
A pair of Purolator transport truck drivers from Guelph, Ont. are being hailed as heroes for their efforts in helping a person in crisis.
Trudeau responds to American senators calling on Canada to increase defence spending
Stopping short of offering the assurance U.S. senators are seeking, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said his government is aware there's more work to do in order to see Canada meet NATO's defence spending target.
Toddler dies after being struck by recycling truck in Barrie, Ont. neighbourhood
A toddler has died after being struck by a recycling truck in a Barrie, Ont. neighbourhood on Thursday afternoon.
Milk sold in Canadian grocery stores tested for avian influenza; results released
As avian flu spreads south of the border, Canadian officials are now testing samples of milk sold in grocery stores across the country.