The Ontario Caregiver Organization is pleased that the Canadian Institute of Health Information (CIHI) is shining a light on the caregiver experience and the impact the role of caring for a friend, neighbour or family member can have on caregivers with new research released today.
Caregivers are critical to the Canadian health system by supporting people with health challenges to stay at home or in the community. The CIHI research on caregiver distress findings are consistent with what OCO has previously reported about Ontario caregivers. CIHI data shows more than one-third (34.7%) of Canadian individuals who care for a person receiving home care are distressed. In Ontario, OCO’s research reflects the same numbers – 1 in 3 say they are not coping well. For caregivers supporting someone with a mental health challenge, this number increases to more than half. The emotional toll of caregiving can be significant – it impacts relationships caregivers have with family and friends, it can impact their job, financial security. Watching a loved one deteriorate is also very stressful, as is making decisions on their behalf.
CIHI data also shows that 1 in 9 newly admitted long-term care residents could potentially be cared for at home provided they had access to ongoing home care services and supports. We know that people want to stay in their home as long as possible, and while the majority of caregivers are honoured to provide care, we know that it can take a toll on the caregiver.
OCO recognizes that caregivers need more support. The important caregiver and health system issues that CIHI is benchmarking are critical indicators to measure access to home and community care and to mental health and addictions services and to measure the caregiver experience. Over the last year OCO has worked with health system partners and caregivers to benchmark and identify caregiver challenges and best practices and to provide caregivers an opportunity to share their experiences and connect with other caregivers. OCO has also expanded its peer support programs and services.
To learn more and to access the Ontario Caregiver Organization 24/7 helpline visit https://archive.ontariocaregiver.ca/find-support/helpline/
