CARP ACTION CARING FOR THE CAREGIVERS
Due to the importance of this issue, Moses has given me all our space for my column this month.
IWAS 23 YEARS OLD and had just entered hell. From the outside, it looked like paradise. Manicured lawns and stately oak doors gave the place the look and feel of a country club. But inside there was a different story. Most of all I remember the smells. The smell of hospital food, the smell of bleach, the smell of despair. As lead auditor for a group of long-term care facilities, every day I walked by people lolling in chairs or crying out from beds. Every night I went home and wept.
That was more than 30 years ago, and much has changed. Great facilities now provide superb care. But for many, high prices or long wait lists place these options out of reach.
More than 90 per cent of Canadians 65 and over (and 56 per cent of those over 90) live in their homes rather than facilities that provide special support or care. But in order to remain at home, a vast network of informal caregivers picks up the pieces that would be provided in care facilities.
CARP is launching a major Caregiver Campaign to support the more than eight million Canadians who act as informal caregivers. For many, the opportunity to care for a sick or dying loved one is a privilege. But it takes a toll. Nearly half of CARP member caregivers reported that their health suffered under the stress of providing care.
Canada lags behind countries such as the U.K. and Australia, which actively support their caregivers. Even though caregivers in Canada save governments at all levels $25 billion1 annually, there is little financial relief available to support them.
That’s why I’m asking you to join our Caregiver Campaign. With your help, we’ll call on federal and provincial governments to take concrete actions to lower caregiver stress by providing increased financial support.
A rebate, not a tax credit Caregivers are entitled to a federal Family Caregiver Tax Credit. But it only helps those who pay taxes. Those who most need relief – individuals who have given up their employment to provide care – receive no benefit. Changing this federal tax credit to a rebate would ensure all caregivers can obtain this financial relief.
Support for all caregivers Right now, individuals can claim Employment Insurance if they care for a family member expected to die within 26 weeks. But many caregivers miss work to assist loved ones with chronic illnesses who are not imminently dying. EI needs to be expanded so these caregivers can benefit, too.
An allowance for those providing extraordinary care Sometimes family members want to provide care but lack the financial resources. A means-tested allowance paid directly to the caregivers would enable them to make ends meet. Sweden, Australia, the U.K. and Nova Scotia have such programs. All Canadian caregivers deserve the same.
Financial support alone isn’t enough. But it’s a concrete step that will help many right now. Join CARP to help us fight for caregivers. Visit our Caregiver Campaign at www.CARP.ca/caregivers, write a letter to your federal and provincial representatives, or donate to help our campaign.