Commentary

There is no doubt: caregivers are women and men who, day after day, work miracles by caring for an aging parent living with a loss of autonomy, a child with a physical or intellectual disability, or a spouse who has one-time or chronic life-threatening health problems. The spectrum of their interventions is as varied as the situations that require them to help. A caregiver does not hesitate to accompany a person who needs help to perform their daily activities, to follow the care and to take charge of medications, to provide hygiene care, to carry out the housekeeping- in other words, to offer or to maintain a quality of life that would not be possible without them.

These dedicated individuals with family and friends are performing "work" of love and selflessness, as well as carrying on their professional and personal pursuits. Not surprisingly, many suffer from burnout and have more and more trouble making ends meet. They need to be supported, too. They need to breathe and benefit from moments of respite.

The contribution of caregivers is fundamental. Despite the social programs our society has, the public health system cannot meet the needs of vulnerable people without the tremendous help of caregivers. Indeed, it would be unrealistic to believe that our health care system would be able to take on the duties assigned to it, to provide these services, or take over adequately. Each year, caregivers’ contribution translates into millions of hours of care and services, without any remuneration; representing a value estimated by researchers at over $5 billion a year, in Quebec alone.

Five years ago, our Federation chose to create its own Foundation and to embrace the caregivers’ cause. We decided to financially support projects designed to offer them respite, regardless of age. And we were right, because the needs are immense and never let up. Through different projects, we have had the opportunity to forge close and sustained ties with organizations that are also doing extraordinary work. We have discovered women and men of heart, who devote themselves entirely to the cause of caregivers and who, like those who benefit from their services, also perform miracles day after day.

During this National Caregiver Awareness Week, let us listen, offer our help, and give a helping hand to those who take care of a loved one, tirelessly and without fail. Above all, thank them by offering them the most precious gift: a little of our time, a moment of respite.