Recognizing National Caregiver Day
National Caregiver Day is April 2nd, 2024!
Recognized across Canada, National Caregiver Day began as a way to recognize the unique contributions of the millions of Canadians who provide unpaid care for their family members, many of whom are seniors.
According to Carers Canada, unpaid caregivers represent 9.7 billion dollars’ worth of caregiving which would otherwise be performed by 1.9 million full-time healthcare workers, helping to relieve some of the pressure on the healthcare system amid ongoing worker shortages. Family caregivers may be assisting their loved ones in addition to a home health aide, nurse, assisted living or long-term care worker, or they may take on all of the caregiving duties on their own.
Family caregiving can be a very rewarding path, with Carers Canada reporting that over 55% of family caregivers say that the care they provide gives them a sense of purpose and fulfillment; however, some caregivers may go through periods where they suffer from burnout and stress, possibly leading to feelings of exhaustion and guilt. It is important for caregivers to take care of themselves even whilst they care for others.
If you are a family caregiver in need of support, you are not alone. Your contributions are valued and appreciated. Route65 recommends checking out our resource page for a comprehensive list of support materials, or getting in contact with Carers Canada, the Alzheimer Society of British Columbia, or Family Caregivers of British Columbia for support helplines, guides and more.
Sources:
“National Caregiver Day.” Carers Canada. 2024. https://www.carerscanada.ca/national-caregiver-day-campaigns/
“Preventing Caregiver Burnout.” Family Caregivers of British Columbia. n.d. https://www.familycaregiversbc.ca/caregiver-learning-center/read-resources/preventing-caregiver-burnout-4