Caring for Caregivers

Unpaid, informal caregivers, who are typically family members, friends, and neighbours, play a vital role in helping people with dementia live safely at home and in their communities. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the financial, physical, emotional, and mental-health impacts on these unsung heroes are going largely unnoticed, with potentially huge consequences for Canada’s health-care system.

The problems facing those caring for people with dementia are acute. Currently, more than half a million Canadians live with dementia. This number is expected to nearly double by 2033. According to the government of Canada, by 2031, the total annual health-care cost of Canadians with dementia will have doubled to $16.6 billion a year from the current $8.3 billion.

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