Caregiver Community Consultation

(Excerpts from the November 20, 2008 forum*)

Introduction

Between 21 July and 21 October 2008, Alberta Disabilities Forum (ADF) and Alberta Seniors and Community Services, in partnership, held 23 community consultations with caregivers and the users of caregivers’ services (individuals, families) in fifteen centres around the province. The purpose was to identify the need for respite and other supports or information.

Overview of Findings

Generally, participants identified the same key challenges and solutions regardless of location. The three most important challenges were finding and retaining well-qualified, professional caregivers; finding suitable respite services; and coping financially.

I. Finding and retaining well qualified professional caregivers

Challenges

• There is a shortage of qualified caregivers, families have difficulty finding paid staff to help and relieve them.
• People sometimes have to relocate to find care.
• The shortage is contributing to burnout among professional caregivers as well as families.
• Staff turnover is high, which affects the continuity of care and makes it difficult to build trust.

Solutions

• Speed up the immigration process that allows caregivers from outside Canada to come here and provide services as paid caregivers.
• Advocate for and promote jobs in the sector.
• Pay siblings, parents or other family members who provide care.

ll. Finding suitable respite services

Challenges

• Some daily respite is available through home care and day programs, but it is not enough.
• Respite is designed for the schedule of others, not the caregiver. There is no weekend in- home respite because of staff shortages.
• The waitlists for respite are long.

Solutions

• Stay away from institutional respite.
• Provide in-home respite for those who cannot leave their homes for reasons such as food allergies, lack of familiarity, accessibility, and mental and physical comfort
• Introduce a provincial respite care program with grants to individuals or the community to support caregivers and relieve their stress levels.

III. Coping financially

Challenges

• There has been no increase in financial support for a number of years and many expenses are not covered.
• The costs of medication, therapy, private care and nursing homes are too high.
• Transportation or travel is not funded, even when a loved one has had to move to a facility elsewhere

Solutions

• Increase funding for companion services and Home Care.
• Compensate spouses, other family members and friends who provide care.
• Recognize that caregivers who quit a job to provide care lose CPP and other employment related benefits.

IV. Avoiding and dealing with burnout

Challenges

• Care-giving creates emotional and physical stress.
• The caregiver feels worry, concern or guilt if he or she gets time away.
• If the health of the caregiver becomes poor, he or she has trouble providing care.
• Family caregivers need help with household tasks – cleaning, shopping, meals, yard work, etc.

Solutions

• Provide regular, reliable opportunities for respite.
• Increase funding for Home Care.
• Ensure assessments are conducted quickly and that supports are in place immediately.
• Recognize family care-giving as a legitimate occupation and pay family members to provide care. Make services easier to access. Reduce red tape and wait lists.

* Emphasis added

The entire report can be found at:
http://www.adforum.ca/news/Caregiver_Community_Consultations-A_Report_of_the_Findin%E2%80%A6.pdf