Caregivers in Distress: A Growing Problem
Seniors Advocate Isobel Mackenzie released an update report today confirming that caregiver distress is rising in B.C. while supports and services are not keeping pace with growing need.
The report, Caregivers in Distress: A Growing Problem, is an update to a 2015 report that indicated 29% of unpaid caregivers are experiencing symptoms of distress such as anger, depression or feelings of not being able to continue with their caregiving duties. Data highlighted in the current report indicate rates of distress have increased by 7% to 31%.
Key findings of the report include:
• In 2015/16, 31% of clients had a primary caregiver in distress. This is a 7% increase from the 2015 report
• Over this period, the actual number of primary caregivers identifying as distressed increased by over 1,000, which represents a 14% increase in the actual number of caregivers in distress
• The number of home support clients accessing Adult Day Programs decreased by 5% and the number of days delivered to these clients decreased by 2%
• The average hours of home support per day per client over 65 decreased by 5%, signaling less intensive service
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