Caring in Canada: Survey insights from caregivers and care providers across Canada

Caring in Canada provides an in-depth analysis of the survey results collected in the National Caregiving Survey completed by more than 3,000 caregivers and care providers from across Canada. The survey, conducted by Leger Communications offers new insights into the experiences of caregivers and care providers across Canada.

As part of our commitment to serving equity seeking groups, the report oversampled Indigenous caregivers and offers insights from racialized, LGBTQ2S+, young caregivers and siblings.

Data highlights:

• Caregiving takes a toll on a caregiver’s wellbeing. One in four caregivers report fair or poor mental health. Caregivers are feeling tired (47%), worried or anxious (44%), or overwhelmed (37%) because of caregiving responsibilities.
• Caregivers are working an “extra-shift.” Caregivers provide an average of 5.1 hours of care a day, adding up to over 30 hours of unpaid care, or almost the equivalent of a full-time job.
• Many caregivers are 65+ and may also need care. Nearly one in five caregivers are over the age of 65. Senior caregivers are least likely to access any services or supports to help their responsibilities – from home modifications, to respite or transportation services.
• Caregiving can have a significant financial toll. Half of caregivers have experienced financial stress in the past year due to caregiving. One in five (22%) caregivers has provided financial support to their care recipient, with 22% also reporting having spent at least $1,000 per month on out-of-pocket expenses.
• Care provider shortage linked to poor working conditions. 80% of paid care providers, such as Personal Support Workers or Direct Support Professionals for people with disabilities, have considered changing careers, citing low compensation, inadequate staffing, discrimination and lack of safety at work.
• Diverse communities face additional barriers and gaps in supports. Racialized, Indigenous, LGBTQ2S+ caregivers are more likely to experience negative impacts of care. For example, almost half of racialized caregivers have experienced financial hardship due to caregiving, compared to 34% of non-racialized caregivers.

In addition to exploring the survey results, the report also dives into policy recommendations to make Canada the greatest place in the world to give and receive care.

Caring in Canada: Snapshot on British Columbia

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Caring in Canada: Snapshot on Alberta

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Caring in Canada: Snapshot on the Prairies

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Caring in Canada: Snapshot on Ontario

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Caring in Canada: Snapshot on Quebec

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Caring in Canada: Snapshot on Atlantic Canada

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Caring in Canada: Snapshot on Care Providers

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Canadian Caregiving Survey – Qualitative Study

To better understand the experiences of caregivers and care providers, a team at the University of Toronto’s Centre for Global Social Policy, led by Dr. Ito Peng, conducted interviews with care providers to understand their direct challenges. 

Thirty-four interviews were conducted. The infographic series below highlights common themes expressed by participants.

Financial Stability

What are the financial impacts of providing being a caregiver?

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Low Wages

Care providers are among the most underpaid workers in our healthcare system. Despite the essential, life-sustaining nature of their jobs, many struggle to make ends meet (e.g. turning to food banks).

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Financial Support for Caregivers

Caregivers are doing critical work that holds families and communities together. Most caregivers want our government to provide financial support so they can care for their loved ones without falling into financial hardship.

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Access to Home Care

Almost all Canadians wants to age at home in their communities, but better access to home care services is fundamental to ensuring this can be a reality.

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Support for Care Providers

Care providers are the workers who allow us to live in our communities and age with dignity. Better pay and flexible work scheduling is needed to ensure our workforce can thrive.

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