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Recognizing Caregivers on National Caregiver Day
Across Canada, there are millions of unpaid family caregivers supporting a family member, partner, friend, or neighbour. They may be caring for a parent with dementia, a child with a disability, or a sibling struggling with mental health challenges. Their role is essential, yet it’s often overlooked and undervalued. While many caregivers say they are honoured to provide the care that’s needed, it comes with significant challenges that can leave them overwhelmed and struggling to cope.
April 1st is National Caregiver Day – A day to recognize, support, and celebrate family caregivers.
The Caregiving Role
In Ontario, there are an estimated 4 million caregivers, and this number is projected to grow to 6.5 million by 2030. An aging population and increasing rates of chronic illness mean caregiving will become an inevitable role for many of us.
Caregivers take on an enormous amount of responsibility, often stepping into roles they never anticipated. They assist with everyday activities like preparing meals or helping the care recipient dress and bathe, running errands, and managing household chores. They may coordinate medical appointments, keep track of medications, and advocate for the best possible care.
As the healthcare system faces ongoing human resource shortages, caregivers are now taking on tasks they say were managed by nurses and personal support workers before. These responsibilities add up quickly, both in terms of time, cost, and emotional strain.
“Caregivers provide three-quarters of the patient care in the healthcare system,” says Amy Coupal, CEO, Ontario Caregiver Organization. “They are an essential part of a care recipient’s care team, yet they often go unrecognized. If we want caregivers to thrive as caregivers and in all aspects of their lives, we need to ensure they are recognized, supported, and valued.”
The Emotional and Financial Toll
The impact on caregivers is profound. Many sacrifice their personal well-being, cutting back on hobbies, social engagements, finances, and even their own healthcare needs.
For many caregivers, the emotional burden is just as heavy as the physical one. The Ontario Caregiver Organization’s Spotlight Report indicates that caregivers are experiencing high levels of stress. A third (32%) of caregivers say they are not coping well, with most expressing feelings of depression, loneliness, resentment, and frustration. The constant worry about the care recipient’s declining health, the pressure of balancing multiple responsibilities, and the lack of personal time takes a toll on their mental health. In fact, 72% say they’ve reached their breaking point but know they have no choice but to keep going.
“Caregiving can impact every aspect of life – from mental health to career stability to financial well-being. It used to take 5 years for a caregiver to experience burnout; now it’s just two. Caregivers need access to resources and support before they reach a crisis point,” says Amy Coupal, CEO of the Ontario Caregiver Organization.
The situation is further complicated by financial strain. Caregivers, on average, spend $640 a month on caregiving. This might include medical supplies, home modifications, and transportation. One in four resort to taking a loan or using their line of credit to cover expenses.
A Personal Story: The Reality Behind the Statistics
For Lisa, a 47-year-old professional from Toronto, caregiving is not something she planned for. Her mother was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease 10 years ago, and as her condition worsened, Lisa gradually took on more responsibilities. It started with driving her to doctor’s appointments and picking up prescriptions and groceries. She later found herself handling her mother’s finances, preparing her meals, and assisting with mobility. Lisa reduced her work hours to enable her to provide the care her mom needed.
“There are nights I can’t sleep because I’m so worried about her,” Lisa says. “I’m constantly exhausted, but I don’t feel like I can take a break. She relies on me, and I don’t want to let her down.”
Like many caregivers, Lisa is also facing financial strain. Her mother’s medications and home modifications were costly, and like many other caregivers, Lisa finds herself dipping into her savings to cover expenses. “I had no idea how expensive caregiving could be,” she says. “And the financial pressure just adds to the stress.”
Lisa’s story is not unique. Caregivers across Canada face the same struggles, often with little recognition or support.
Balancing Work and Caregiving
In Ontario, there are 2.6 million people balancing caregiving and work responsibilities. The demands can be intense, leading many to consider reducing their work hours or leaving their jobs entirely. While some workplaces have become more understanding, offering flexible work arrangements or paid caregiver days, most caregivers still feel unsupported by their employers.
The Ontario Caregiver Organization has a free Working Caregiver Toolkit to help caregivers navigate conversations with their managers.
Here are tips on how to increase your chances of getting support from your employer:
Book time to discuss your situation privately, preferably face-to-face.
Keep the message simple when you ask for the meeting – save the details until you meet.
Get input from someone you trust in advance.
Share your commitment to your job and organization.
Be open to different ideas and be prepared to be flexible and compromise.
Be realistic. Consider your employer’s needs.
Bring notes or written outlines that can support your discussion (example: Workplan).
Be patient. Ask when it is reasonable for you to check back for an answer.
Follow up in writing to thank your manager and confirm your discussion.
How Future Caregivers Can Prepare
Caregiving often arrives unexpectedly, leaving people unprepared for the emotional, financial, and logistical challenges ahead. Planning in advance can help ease the transition and reduce the risk of burnout. This is particularly important as people age.
Here are a few tips to help caregivers start planning for the role:
Have open conversations with aging parents or loved ones about their future care needs. Discuss financial plans, legal documents, and living arrangements early to prevent difficult decisions later.
Understand workplace supports available through your employer. Some workplaces offer flexible work arrangements, caregiver leave, or employee assistance programs.
Plan financially by consulting a financial planner to assess potential costs and explore financial assistance options.
Build a network of support to share responsibilities among family members, even if they live far away.
Familiarize yourself with community resources that provide support, including waitlists for home care and essential services.
How We Can Support Caregivers
While caregiving is often viewed as a personal responsibility, it is a societal issue that requires collective action. We can all make a difference simply by checking in on caregivers and offering practical support, whether that means running errands, giving them a break, or just lending a listening ear.
Employers can implement caregiver-friendly policies, such as flexible work schedules or remote work options, to help employees balance their roles. Healthcare providers can acknowledge the role of family caregivers and ensure they receive the necessary information and guidance.
Organizations like the Ontario Caregiver Organization offer resources and support programs to help Ontario caregivers navigate their roles. Provinces including British Columbia, Alberta, Quebec, Nova Scotia, and New Brunswick also have organizations that support caregivers. For those living in provinces without a caregiver organization, you can still access self-guided educational resources at ontariocaregiver.ca.
A Call to Action
Caregivers are the backbone of our healthcare system, yet their contributions are often overlooked. By acknowledging their role, providing support, and planning, we can create a future where caregivers feel valued and equipped to continue. When we care for caregivers, we strengthen families, communities, and society as a whole.
Website: https://ontariocaregiver.ca
Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/caregiverON
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ontariocaregiver
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/caregiverON
