Statistics Canada Reports Identify Eight Million Family Caregivers in Canada

OTTAWA, Sept. 19, 2013 /CNW/ - The Canadian Caregiver Coalition (CCC) recognizes the valuable contribution made by the Statistics Canada release of two key family caregiver studies. Using the data collected in the 2012 General Social Survey, the 'Portraits of Caregivers' and 'Family Caregiving: What are the Consequences?' provide an essential source of information on family caregivers across Canada.

The reports shed new light on family caregiving through examining the type of care provided and the relationship of the caregiver to the care recipient. This offers insight into the variety of critical roles caregivers undertake in providing care to their children, spouses and other loved ones.   "Our aging population, increasing life expectancy and the growing prevalence of chronic disease will further multiply the demands on family caregivers", stated Nadine Henningsen, Executive Director, Canadian Home Care Association and CCC President. "This new report provides vital information to reinforce the pressing need for coordinated action to support caregivers across the country."

The survey found over eight million Canadians, 28 percent of the population age 15 or older, provided care to a family member or friend with a long-term health condition in 2012. The median number of hours family caregivers spent caring for their child or spouse totalled 10 and 14 hours a week respectively and the length and impact of caregiving depended heavily on the relationship between the caregiver and care recipient.

"Family caregivers are the invisible backbone of the health care system through their contribution of $25 billion of unpaid care¹," said Nicole Beben, Vice President, Knowledge and Care Exchange Programs, Saint Elizabeth, and a Signatory Partner of the CCC.

In order to achieve the CCC vision of "a Canada that recognizes and respects the integral role of family caregivers", the Coalition is advocating that the federal, provincial and territorial governments adopt a caregiver strategy encompassing five critical actions that have been identified by family caregivers and caregiver support organizations across the country:

1. Safeguard the health and wellbeing of caregivers.
2. Minimize excessive financial burden placed on family caregivers.
3. Enable access to user friendly information and education.
4. Create flexible workplace environments that respect caregiving obligations.
5. Invest in research on family caregiving as a foundation for evidence-informed decision making.

The reports released by Statistics Canada are excellent tools for supporting family caregiver research, policy and programs. The CCC will continue to work with stakeholders and governments to advance policy for and advocate on behalf of family caregivers across Canada.

About the Canadian Caregiver Coalition
The Canadian Caregiver Coalition is a diverse group of national and provincial organizations from across Canada working collaboratively to represent and promote the needs and interests of family caregivers, with all levels of government and the community. The vision of the Canadian Caregiver Coalition is a Canada that recognizes and respects the integral role of family caregivers in society, and supports this role with the understanding that it is not a substitute for public responsibility in health and social care.

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¹ 1. Hollander M, et al (2009) Who Cares and How Much?  The imputed economic contribution to the Canadian healthcare system of middle-aged and older unpaid caregivers providing care to the elderly

SOURCE: Canadian Caregiver Coalition

Nadine Henningsen, President, Canadian Caregiver Coalition, 289-290-4389  www.ccc-ccan.ca