As you read, ask yourself two questions, "Am I prepared for this responsibility with an aging parent and do I want these impacts on my children when my time comes and I need care?"

Fact: There is a good probability that I will become a caregiver at some time in my life, either of a parent or a spouse

Fact: As a woman, there is a very high possibility that I could be a caregiver twice in my lifetime, first of an elderly parent and then of a senior spouse

Fact: That I may become a caregiver during my retirement years, when I am a senior too

Fact: That my care-giving responsibility will probably last for a long period of time, perhaps 3 to 10 years

Fact: That I may be looking after a loved one who has ‘both' a physical and a mental disability

Fact: That even though I feel that caring for my loved one is my responsibility, I may also feel I don't have a choice as there is no one else available or there are no home care services to help out

Fact: That if my parent needs care, mum and/or dad or in-laws will probably move in with my family and me

Fact: That most of my care-giving duties will be with the basics of everyday living (dressing our loved ones, bathing them, helping them move around, feeding, washing, shaving, doing hair, teeth….)

Fact: That I will need to find ways to share care-giving with the rest of my family or hire assistance, as no matter how hard I try, I will not be able to care give for 24-7-365 without a break

Fact: That my income level will not influence whether or not I become a caregiver

Fact: That my monthly expenses, when providing care, are going to increase

Fact: That my provincial government provides some care services and programs yet I can't count on receiving these

Fact: That I am going to have to face some financial impacts plus some health challenges as a result of my care-giving activities

Fact: That I will not entertain the concept of institutional care for my loved one, as I know I can do a better job of meeting the care needs

Fact: That my job and career are going to be affected when care-giving, that I will decide if I have to quit, retire early or make serious changes to the job conditions

Fact: That my stress level is going to increase significantly when care-giving, especially if I feel I have no choices

FACT: CARE-GIVING IS STRESSFUL AND IMPACTS HEALTH AND LIFESTYLE SIGNIFICANTLY—HAVE YOU PLANNED FOR THE TIME WHEN YOU WILL BE IN NEED OF SOME LONG-TERM CARE?

 

For research details on these facts click here for an overview of the National Profile of Family Caregivers in Canada – 2002, Final Report, Health Canada