1 in 4 Canadians Devote Their Lives To Being A Family Caregiver, Most Don’t Identify As One
Over 8 million Canadians are unpaid caregivers.
When a loved one needs you — your friend, sibling, child, grandparent, parent or partner — you're there for them. But do you know just how many Canadians are actually acting as caregivers on a daily basis?
About eight million Canadians, or one in four, devote their lives to being unpaid caregivers for friends or family members who need support related to ageing, a long-term health condition, or a mental or physical disability. Of those who don't provide care to a family member, one in three expect to do so in the future.
On average, carers spend up to 20 hours a week providing transportation, scheduling appointments and giving emotional support, among many other things. This labour often goes unrecognized.
With the challenges of the pandemic adding significantly to the responsibilities of Canadian caregivers, what does this mean for their health and well-being?
Petro-Canada told Narcity that, according to a recent study they conducted, one-third of the carers asked said that they're struggling to balance their caregiving responsibilities with their family and work life. Over 51% of them said they're overwhelmed — often worried, anxious and tired. On top of that, 40% said they're worried about the person they provide constant care for.
Petro-Canada is on a mission to change that, which is why they launched the Petro-Canada CareMakers Foundation — a new charitable initiative that looks to support the eight million Canadians acting as unpaid caregivers today.
For many, caring for a loved one is something they would do without ever asking for support, but everyone needs help from time to time. That's why the CareMakers Foundation believes it's time to give some care back to the Canadians who are busy looking after the ones they love.
The CareMakers Foundation, which launched in November 2020, will raise awareness about what it truly means to be a Canadian caregiver, highlighting the devotion that's put into helping loved ones, and ensuring caregivers are more aware of the resources that are available to them.
The Foundation will raise funds and provide grants to amplify the work of not-for-profit organizations that support caregivers in Canada.
For many, caring for a loved one is simply an act of kindness and tools like the CareMakers Foundation are needed to ensure Canada's many caregivers are receiving the support they need.
Petro-Canada Caremakers Foundation
How You Can Support: Donate through the CareMakers Foundation website
Details: Petro-Canada is raising awareness of what it means to be a family caregiver in Canada, and they're providing support grants to non-profit-organization that are dedicated to helping Canadian caregivers.