Improving Care and Support for Unpaid Caregivers in Ontario - Citizen Brief

This Citizen Brief was produced by the McMaster Health Forum to serve as the basis for discussions by a citizen panel about improving care and support for unpaid caregivers in Ontario.

The need to identify how to improve care and support for unpaid caregivers has attracted a lot of attention from governments, media and the public, in part because of the increasing number of people who are acting as unpaid caregivers. In 2012, it was estimated that 8.1 million Canadians provided care to a family member or friend with a long-term health condition (most commonly cancer) or aging-related needs. In Ontario, about 20% of the population serve as a caregivers to family members and provide the majority of care needed.

Much of the burden of continuing care falls on unpaid caregivers. In 2012, it was estimated that 8.1 million Canadians provided care to a family member or friend with a long-term health condition or aging-related needs.

A citizen panel is an innovative way to seek public input on high-priority issues. Each panel brings together 10-14 citizens from all walks of life. Panel members share their ideas and experiences on an issue, and learn from research evidence and from the views of others. The discussions of a citizen panel can reveal new understandings about an issue and spark insights about how it should be addressed.

This brief includes information on this topic, including what is known about:

• the underlying problem;
• three possible options to address the problem; and
• potential barriers and facilitators to implementing these options.

This brief does not contain recommendations, which would have required the authors to make judgments based on their personal values and preferences.