The importance of respite care options for Canada’s seniors and their caregivers: according to the 2012 GSS, at some point in their lives, 46% of Canadians had provided some type of care to a family member or friend with a long-term health condition, disability or aging needs.
When It Is Time to Consider Respite Care for Canada’s Seniors
Respite care can benefit the health of both Canada’s seniors and their family caregivers. In a study, 60% of family caregivers, ages 19-64, reported “fair or poor” health and one or more chronic conditions or disabilities, compared with only 33% of non-caregivers.
The Antidote for Caregiver Stress? Become Engaged
Approximately 15% of Canadian seniors live with some form of dementia, and caring for those afflicted creates significant stress on family caregivers. In addition to the time and cost impacts, caregivers suffer emotional, psychological, and social impacts as a result of their caregiving responsibilities.