It’s time to support family caregivers
We know the health care system needs more human resources. And because our senior population is steadily increasing, now is the time to champion family caregivers.
By 2021 there’ll be 6.7 million Canadians over age 65, according to the Public Health Agency of Canada. Our growing senior population also means that more middle-aged adults will be juggling their careers while caring for their own families as well as their aging parents. These family caregivers will need resources, support and experts they can turn to, if they’re going to provide exceptional family care.
Until now, the contribution of family caregivers has largely gone unnoticed. It’s estimated that family caregivers provide more than 80% of home care services in Canada, on average 20 hours per week.
How do we ensure that family caregivers have full access to our health care system so that they get the support they need, when they need it? One way is to send a strong message to the politicians. Ontario is in the midst of a provincial election and family caregivers are speaking up for their right to viable support.
Bayshore Home Health is stepping up to the plate and giving back to the communities it serves by creating new initiatives designed to support family caregivers. So, get your calendars out, open up your computers and get ready!
This week we officially launched our monthly e-newsletter, Eye on Health. The newsletter is designed to support family caregivers as they care for their aging loved ones. Every month, Eye on Health will focus on a health care topic or disease that’s relevant to the health and well-being of older adults. It’ll include tips and solutions to help manage health issues and ease the stress associated with caregiving.
Next week we are launching Vote to Support Family Caregivers, a campaign calling for nationwide government support for family caregivers. We’re using social media to garner public support for increased government funding and improved policies. We’ll make the case for provincial and federal funding initiatives aimed at improving the lives and health of our family caregivers.
We’re also planning an event to honour the tireless dedication and daily sacrifices of family caregivers. Women Who Give CARE takes place November 10. We’ll bring family caregivers together for a special evening of camaraderie and to share our stories of caring and learning.
Through my role at Bayshore and the Caring@Home blog, I’ve been very fortunate to be able to bring my experience as a nurse and a family caregiver to the estimated four million family caregivers in Canada. This year I really noticed a greater public awareness of the work done by family caregivers. Now, it’s time to put the issues front and centre, and for us to rally together to help family caregivers cope with day-to-day challenges.
Let’s help family caregivers get the job done. As a family caregiver myself, I know from first-hand experience that my family’s journey would be much easier with more support. Join our family caregiver campaigns! Let your voice be heard and your vote counted so that we together build a health care community that meets everyone’s needs.
For more information visit the www.bayshore.ca website or send me an email at jhickey@bayshore.ca.
I’m from Alberta but a full time caregiver for my mom whom we all fortunate to have still with us. I took early retirement to be able to do this but is a huge monetary cutback from my paycheck. Here in Alberta they will pay for a nanny or an outside caregiver but they won’t pay a family member? This is absolutely crazy – they encourage family to look after family and yes there are supports out there in other areas but not financially. Yep that is my big gripe and I know lots of others in the same situation.
Thank you Lois for sharing your story. I truly believe we need to recognize the efforts of family caregivers with support and or financially. I personally experienced some struggles first hand when my father was ill. We need to keep telling our stories until someone listens.
Hello Jackie
I have my mother living with me. I work full time. Seniors are at risk with homecare. My mother was punched slapped and hit in the head by a PSW. My home is getting damaged. We had 12 PSW’s in one month. If agences are going to work they need to have a consultant in to evaluate the present procedures.(as us caregivers what we need and what the problems are) My mother can’t be left alone and often PSW’s don’t show up. They eat the food out of our fridge, watch TV instead of following the care plan, they are allowed to book off when ever they want and leave me stranded. The system is not working. I have been to my MPP with the idea to allow those of us who are close to retirement to let us retire without penalty, Or pay for private care that we choose to care for our family member.
Hello Linda,
Thank you for being honest, I am sorry to hear about your experiences with home care. It’s for this reason we need to speak up to our politicians. Home care needs to be regulated and reviewed by quality agencies. Government funded programs should have the highest standard of care and if you do need to use a organization above the government services ensure it is a reputable company with quality standards…ask to see them. As well all agencies should have a case manage that should oversee your mothers care. I always say ask for what you want and get what you get,its better than not asking and not getting anything!
The road of a family caregiver is a challenge we need to support each other, please join the Vote to Support Caregivers facebook http://www.facebook.com/votetosupportcaregivers
I am from London Ont. and I am in the same boat as the other lady from Alberta. Expect I have not retired yet. I have been taking care of my mom for about 10 years. I am only 56 years old and on welfare, making only $450. a month.
Is there any where I can get help, financially.
I love doing what I do, but the financial part is hard. Thank You
Thanks for sharing your caregiver story.
It is vital that we get our voices heard, to much time has gone by doing the tireless work of a family caregiver. Visit our Vote to Support Caregivers facebook page http://www.facebook.com/votetosupportcaregivers
this is a great venue to share and have your vote counted. Our goal is to bring this campaign forward to our political leaders.
Also keep in touch with your government agencies let them know what you are doing, give them an update every once in a while.
Your mom is lucky to have you!
Hi Terrill,
You are right about the cpp,but you would still be able to collect the oas. This for all Canadians. You don’t have to have contributed for that. Sorry things are not very good and I hope they will improve.
I have been caring for my husband for 15 years and only paid into cpp for 10 years,but I am getting the oas and I didn’t pay into that
One more thing to add for me is, like I said I have not worked in 10 years, so I will not get OAS or CPP, because I have not paid into them, for those years.
Thank you for your efforts to make our lives, as family caregivers, more enjoyable. I have cared for my mother of 94 since 2001. Thankfully, I have the support of my wife since 2006, when she arrived in Canada, and your organization. It is not enough. The hidden costs of taking care of my mother are mounting and that money comes from my pocket. I do not get the minimum wage for her care, although I happily do it for free. The wage is not the point here and – sadly- it is ignored by our governments; governments that happily hand out money hand over fist for the most irresponsible programs. Change is needed – now!
Thank you, keep talking about your situation and spreading the word so dedicated caregivers like yourself are recognized and supported.