Alberta, Nova Scotia and Ontario could play a lead role in developing future support systems for Canadians. These provinces could play a lead role in developing and implementing a national training curriculum for home care and personal support workers.
A Canadian market research survey of 2,000 caregivers indicated that five million Canadians provide care for a loved one with long-term health problems, and one-quarter of them also uphold regular employment and other family responsibilities.
In a recent government study on living with arthritis, going shopping was identified as a key area of difficulty by more than 50%. It is easy to see how physical pain can be brought about by preparing for the Christmas season.
An important factor that will impact caregiving for seniors in years to come is the overall aging of the population. A Chartered Accountant might say something like, “
the numbers speak for themselves.” As we move forward we're bound to tip the scales.
It is expected that the surge of Baby Boomers will increase volunteering by older adults by 50 percent by the year 2020; and double the number of older adult volunteers by the year 2036. Numbers will rise sharply for decades because the youngest Baby Boomers will not reach age 65 until 2029. Music and tutoring enjoy high levels of volunteer retention.
