FROM THE WELLNESS CENTRE

Caregivers shape our health system

Submitted by Anaïs Fortin-Maltais, 

Well 50+ & Caregivers Program Co-ordinator,  Wellness Centre

With National Caregivers’ Day happening on the first Tuesday of April (April 1), I wanted to take a moment to recognize an often-overlooked pillar of our healthcare system: informal caregivers. These caring folk – family members, friends and neighbours – offer vital support to those in need, often without recognition or financial compensation. 

At the Wellness Centre, we do our best to recognize firsthand the huge contribution of caregivers. Over the past year, 75 caregivers have directly benefited from our Caregivers’ Circle services, translating to roughly 125 hours we have provided through individual or group support. These numbers only scratch the surface of supporting caregivers in facing their daily reality.

We can’t make it without caregivers!
The truth is Canada’s health-care system relies on caregivers in ways many don’t realize. Some treatments and long-term care options would simply be impossible without them. Whether it’s ensuring a loved one takes their medication or gets to a medical appointment, or providing end-of-life care, caregivers are essential to the system’s ability to function.

A striking statistic highlights this reality: in 2013, the Ministry of Health estimated that 85 per cent of elder care in Canada was provided by family caregivers. This means that without caregivers, many seniors would lack the support they need to stay in their homes, and hospital and long-term care facilities would be overwhelmed. Caregivers fill the gaps in health-care services, making home care a viable option for thousands of Canadians.

What are some of the challenges caregivers face?
Despite their importance, caregivers often juggle immense personal, professional and emotional challenges.

The “sandwich generation” struggle

Many caregivers belong to the sandwich generation – adults who simultaneously care for aging parents while raising their own children. This double responsibility leads to high levels of stress, financial strain and burnout. According to McGill University, about 35 per cent of Canadians aged 45 to 64 are caring for an elderly parent while also supporting their own families. These individuals often struggle to find time for themselves, sacrificing personal well-being to fulfill their caregiving duties.

Employment and financial stress

Balancing caregiving with employment is another significant challenge. Many caregivers reduce their working hours or leave their jobs entirely to care for loved ones. According to Caregiver Work Canada, over 30 per cent of working caregivers report struggling to balance job responsibilities with caregiving duties. Many face a loss of career growth, income and retirement savings. The financial impact of caregiving can be long-lasting, especially for those who spend years in this role without formal support.  

Language asymmetry

Caregivers may often find themselves in a situation where they don’t share the same first language as the patient or health-care provider. A 2020 study found that English-speaking caregivers may face extra challenges, stress and frustration compared to French-speaking caregivers, thus adding to the pressures they already experience in their caregiving role.

What can we do to support caregivers?
Caregivers need more than just appreciation – they need tangible support. Here’s how we can help:

• Help people identify as caregivers: Many caregivers don’t even see themselves as such, nor do they realize that they may qualify for financial support, assistance programs or respite services. By helping them recognize their role, we can help them access the resources to which they are entitled without delay.
• Advocate for caregivers in workplaces and healthcare settings: Employers and healthcare providers must recognize caregivers’ contributions and provide flexible work arrangements, paid leave and emotional support. Raising awareness about these needs can lead to better policies and benefits for caregivers.
• Listen to caregivers without offering unsolicited advice: Sometimes, caregivers simply need to be heard. Instead of offering advice, try to provide a space where they feel validated and supported in their experiences.
• Refer caregivers to resources: Organizations like the Wellness Centre, caregiver support groups and government assistance programs provide invaluable support and can ease some of their burdens.

Caregivers are the backbone of our health-care system, offering care and compassion, often at great personal cost. As a community, we must ensure they receive the recognition and support they deserve. Whether through policy changes, workplace accommodations or simply listening with empathy, we all have a role to play in uplifting caregivers.

If you or someone you know is a caregiver, reach out to me to learn more about available support services. You can also call the provincial Caregiver Helpline at 1-855-852-7784. Lastly, feel free to register for our spring edition of Caring Chapters, a book club made for caregivers. We will be meeting every Tuesday of May in the afternoon in a local coffee shop in Quebec City. Find out more on our website at wejh.ca/event/caring-chapters.

Stay well, and enjoy April!

Anaïs