Caring for a loved one is leaving many Canadians exhausted and financially strained, a new report suggests
"The report says caregiving is creating a “vicious cycle” for working Canadians. Some caregivers are being forced to work more to offset rising costs associated with care. Seventeen per cent said they had taken on additional work hours, nine per cent delayed retirement and five per cent found second jobs in order to manage expenses.
At the same time, caregiving responsibilities are making it harder to remain fully engaged in the workforce. More than one-third of working caregivers reported reduced productivity, lost income or difficulty balancing employment with caregiving demands. The report warns that effects are reaching beyond individual households and impacting Canada’s broader economy and labour force participation.
The report draws on responses from more than 2,600 caregivers and care providers across Canada. Nearly half of caregivers reported experiencing financial stress in the past year, while many described feeling exhausted, anxious and overwhelmed.
The report says the findings underscore the need for expanded caregiver benefits, improved home-care access, flexible workplace policies and stronger mental health supports."