The pandemic has made the role of the family caregiver harder than it has ever been before. This year, more caregivers are investing 10 or more hours a week providing care. More caregivers say they feel exhausted, overwhelmed, worried, and trapped. Half say their mental health is worse than last year. The majority who work say they struggle to balance their job and caregiving responsibilities. The financial impact is also greater than previous years and a third have thought about quitting their job to be more available to their care recipient. Outside of the day-to-day responsibilities, caregivers worry about the future of health care, specifically the shortage of personal support workers and nurses. Part of what has made their role harder is that caregivers say they are providing the kind of care typically provided by these professionals.

This year, the Spotlight Report is expanded to include commentary from caregivers. While the data shows the reality of the caregiving role clearly, hearing the authentic caregiver voice drives home the extent of the impact. It is our hope that this report will inspire all of us to consider the needs of caregivers, not just in the context of being successful in their caregiving role, but as people who are struggling to cope. We encourage health care leaders, front line care providers, employers, managers, family members and friends to think about what you can do to help a caregiver. At the end of this report, we’ve provided practical ideas that can make a difference.

Part of OCO’s work includes working with system partners, healthcare providers, community organizations and other care providers to raise awareness about the realities that caregivers face and encourage meaningful engagement and inclusion across the system.

Many caregivers are overwhelmed in their role – unsure of where to get information and anxious about what the future holds. They’re frustrated, worried and many find it difficult to cope.

Caregiving impacts the caregiver’s health and wellness, employment, finances and personal relationships. They often find it hard to ask for help. How providers interact with caregivers makes a meaningful difference in the caregiving experience.

This month the OCO is launching our new quarterly Partners in Care E-Bulletin specifically for care and service providers. If you’re interested in receiving news about our work with providers, you can subscribe below. Please share this information with anyone who may find it useful.

Many caregivers share their stories with us as a way of allowing others to benefit from their experience. Volunteering, sharing your experience or telling your story is a powerful way to inspire others, and can be inspiring as well. This anonymous caregiver story was shared with us by one of OCO’s Peer Mentors.

If you would like to find out more, or volunteer with OCO, we are currently seeking Peer Mentors for our 1:1 Peer Support Program. No prior experience in counseling or peer support is required, OCO provides training and guidance to all mentors. The only requirement is experience as a caregiver.