New data from the 2012 General Social Survey showed that women represented the slight majority of caregivers at 54%. The survey also found that caregiving responsibilities most often fell to those aged 45 to 64, with 44% of caregivers in this age category.
Ailing parents were the most common recipients of care, with 39% of caregivers looking after the needs of their own parents and another 9% doing so for their parents-in-law. The least common were spouses, at 8%, and children, at 5%.
For the first time, the survey looked at the types of health conditions requiring care. Age-related needs topped the list, with 28% of caregivers providing care for these needs. Cancer was next at 11%, followed by cardio-vascular disease at 9%, and mental illness at 7%.
Saskatchewan and Manitoba residents report the highest levels of caregiving
The proportion of caregivers varied across provinces, with Saskatchewan and Manitoba having the highest rates of caregiving in 2012 at 34% and 33%, respectively. Also above the national average were Nova Scotia (31%) and Ontario (29%).
In contrast, Quebec had a lower rate than the national average. About 25% of Quebecers reported that they had provided care to an ill, disabled or aging family member or friend in 2012.
Other provinces were not significantly different from the national average.
Providing transportation most common form of care
The most common type of help, provided by 73% of all caregivers, was transportation to run errands, shop, or attend medical appointments. The next most frequent types of activities were house cleaning and meal preparation at 51%, followed by house maintenance and outdoor work at 45%.
Some other tasks were provided by a lower proportion of caregivers, but were done more frequently. These tasks (including medical treatments and personal care, such as help with bathing and dressing) were provided by less than 1 in 4 caregivers. However, two-thirds of those who performed these activities did so at least once a week.
More time spent caring for ill or disabled children and spouses
Overall, caregivers typically spent 3 hours a week caring for an ill or disabled family member or friend. However, this amount varied depending on the relationship between the caregiver and care receiver.
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