Both a Caregiver and a Care Receiver: A Dual Reality for Many Canadians Donna S. Lero Jarislowsky Chair in Families and Work University of Guelph Guelph, Ontario Adele D. Furrie Adele Furrie Consulting Inc. Ottawa, Ontario

An invisible population... Among 8.1 M Canadian caregivers …. 1in 12 (639,000) also receive help or care for a chronic health condition, a disability, or problems related to aging

Two populations – Caregivers who are also care receivers (CG/CRs) and Caregivers who are not care receivers (CR Only) Characteristics Their experiences providing care and support to family and friends Care-related consequences Are CG/CRs at greater risk for negative outcomes related to their caregiving? Source: GSS 2012 –Caregiving and Care Receiving

CG/CRs and CGs Only – Similarities and Differences CG/CRs somewhat more likely to provide assistance to more people and to those with a LT health condition or disability ◦ 21% provided help to > 3 people (15% of CG Only) Similar in types of assistance they provide CG/CRs less likely to have provided end of life care in last 12 months (18.2% vs. 31.3% for CGs Only) Average weekly hours of care similar (Median = 3) ◦ 20 or > hrs: 12.8% (CG/CR) 14.4% (CG Only) Approximately 55% are women in both groups

More seniors among CG/CRs

Conditions Likely to Contribute to Vulnerability Caregiver’s Situation Lower income More likely to live alone Their health condition / limitations Unmet needs for support and assistance Caregiving Stresses

Household Income Lower among CG/CRs Caregiver and Care Receiver (CG/CR) Caregiver but not a care receiver (CG Only) Less than $10,0001.1%0.9% $10,000 to $29, %6.7% $30,000 to $49, %10.6% $50,000 to $79, %17.2% $80,000 or more25.9%42.8% Household income not provided24.9%21.8%

Ratings of Own Health Physical Health Caregiver and Care Receiver (CG/CR) Caregiver but not a care receiver (CG Only) Excellent 18.1%31.9% Very good 22.8%34.1% Good 31.4%27.4% Fair / Poor 27.8% 6.5% Mental Health Caregiver and Care Receiver (CG/CR) Caregiver but not a care receiver (CG Only) Excellent 7.2%24.3% Very good 14.5%36.1% Good 36.1%30.2% Fair / Poor 42.2% 9.4%

Whether CG/CRs’ own care needs were met relates to their current physical health

and their view of whether their health suffered as a result of caregiving

The Primary Care Receiver (PCR) PCR considers you his/her primary caregiver? Yes: 51% 39%

Caregiving Consequences – Distress and Isolation During the past 12 months, have your caregiving responsibilities caused you to feel....

Caregiving Consequences – Health-related

Effects of Caregiving on Caregivers’ Health Has your overall health suffered because of your caregiving? YES: 28% CG/CRs 18.7% CG Only

Conclusions 1. Caregivers who are also care receivers may be particularly vulnerable to negative outcomes that can compromise Their own health and well-being Their capacities to continue to provide care to those who depend on them 2. Policies and practices must consider caregivers as partners in their own right

For more information Donna Adele Furrie