"I have been caring for my mother 20 years now, since my father died. I have a great deal of pressure on me now that she lives with me. She was able to live on her own but is quite socially isolated. I was able to work full-time and then she fell and fractured her hip. She was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s 8 years ago ...she is now more dependent on me. I just don’t dare get sick because what would I do then?”
You are a caregiver, if you provide care and assistance with tasks, such as:
- Personal Care: dressing, bathing, eating, toileting, and grooming.
- Household Work: house cleaning, shopping/errands, preparing meals, yard work, laundry.
- Coordination of Care: transportation, making appointments, arranging services, visiting, outings, decision making, financial/legal help.
- Support: phone check-in, supervision, emotional support, motivation.
- Nursing Care: Medication, changing dressings, using medical equipment.
Did you know?
- There are 2.85 million Canadians over the age of 15 who provide care to a family member or friend.
- Caregivers are “individuals who provide ongoing care to family members and friends in need due to physical, cognitive, or mental health conditions” (Canadian Caregiver Coalition, 2001).
- Many caregivers have children and work.
- Many caregivers care for more than one person.
- Caregiving can affect your physical, emotional, social and financial lives.
- Many caregivers report they are coping well.
- Many wish for more respite to help out with the care.
- You are not alone!
A caregiver is…
The Caregiver Connect portal was created for you to care for yourself, caring for the person you support, and to connect and share with other caregivers. Check out the Caregiver Connect Guide and discussion forums for more information.