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Articles on Informal caregivers

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About one-third of Canada’s workforce are also caregivers, most often to aging parents or parents-in-law. (Shutterstock)

COVID-19’s silver lining? Creating a caregiver-friendly work culture

Allison Williams, McMaster University

Changes to working life created by COVID-19 give employers an opportunity to embrace a caregiver-friendly work culture, supporting the millions of Canadians who juggle employment and informal caring.
This photo was taken at a resort just outside Chennai, India that caters to medical tourists following discharge from hospital. (V.A. Crooks)

Consider this advice before travelling abroad for health care

Valorie A. Crooks, Simon Fraser University

Informal caregivers play a vital role in medical tourism yet find themselves unprotected as "shadow workers" in a multi-billion dollar industry.
Up to 80 per cent of community care for older adults is provided by unpaid informal caregivers. In the absence of government supports, many of them struggle with exhaustion, stress and depression. (Shutterstock)

Stressed and exhausted caregivers need better support

Jenny Ploeg, McMaster University and Maureen Markle-Reid, McMaster University

Informal caregivers contribute $25 million to the Canadian economy in unpaid labour, receiving virtually no financial support or emotional respite. More web-based interventions could help.

Related Topics

  1. Absenteeism
  2. Dementia
  3. Employee satisfaction
  4. Family caregivers
  5. home care
  6. Medical tourism
  7. Productivity
  8. Unpaid care
  9. Unpaid labour
  10. Work-life balance

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