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• Research guide
• Caregiving

Caregiving statistics

Family caregiving is a growing trend in Canada, as families try to avoid health care costs and keep loved ones close to home. Here is a look at caregiving in Canada, the costs associated, and the effects on families, particularly relating to caring for elderly loved ones. 

Stats about adult children caring for parents

• In 2012, 39% of Canada's 8 million family caregivers were caring for their mother or father.
• 70% of Canadian adults 43 to 63 have at least one living parent. One third (33%) of Canadians with parents 65 or older say their parents rely on them regularly for some kind of assistance.¹
• 62% of Canadians with a parent 65 or older have not had a conversation about how to manage their parents' financial affairs in case they aren't able to do so on their own.¹
• 56% of in-home caregivers are women. Women account for 58% of caregivers in the age range 65-74. Women account for 65% of the caregivers who are 75 and older. 

Some stats caregivers need to know

Ontario caregivers of elderly relatives with dementia can get financial support for 90 days of respite care per year.

Broad statistics cross Canada (2017)

• 2,868,000 Canadians are receiving caregiving at home (as of 2017).
• Approximately 612,850 seniors received care at home, in Canada (in 2017).
• Only 9% of home care recipients identify aging needs as reasons for getting care at home (although related diseases like cardiovascular disease and cancer are also identified as reasons).

Infographics on caregiving in Canada

Below, find infographics that we encourage you to download and share.

Percentage caring for parents

Caregiving in Canada: the costs

Canadian adults contributing to parents' care

56% of family caregivers are women

• 58% of caregivers who are aged 65 to 74 are women.
• 65% of caregivers 75 and older are women. 

8% of all Canadians receive some form of care at home

9% of home care recipients identify aging needs as reasons for getting care

Sources and further reading

¹CIBC poll, April 2017 newswire.ca

Statistics Canada: Portrait of caregivers