Amplify Magazine – Aging in Place in Canada: Why Caregivers Matter and How to Find Support 

It is no secret that Canadian seniors, people living with disabilities or those with a life-limiting illness want to live at home in their communities for as long as it is safe to do so.  

For many, additional support may be required to make this a reality. This help very often comes from caregivers – the mothers, daughters, siblings and friends, who cook a meal, schedule appointments and step in during an emergency.  

While many of us want to care for our loved ones, the impact of caring, especially long term, can be significant.  According to Caring in Canada, a report published by the Canadian Centre for Caregiving Excellence (CCCE), a program of the Azrieli Foundation:   

• 1 in 4 caregivers report fair or poor mental health. Caregivers are feeling tired (47%), worried or anxious (44%), or overwhelmed (37%).   

• The average caregiver spends 5.1 hours of care/day, almost the equivalent of a full-time job.   

• Caregiving can have a significant financial toll, with many caregivers spending an average of $1,000 monthly on out-of-pocket expenses.