The Future is Caregiving

We weeped. You carried me for years, and now it was my turn. I did not expect it to be this early, and you could not accept it to be so. And so we sat on the floor and weeped together. As I whipped my tears away, I found the strength to lift you and carry you.

The Canadian health system depends on caregivers. Caregivers significantly reduce the cost associated with health services and institutionalization; and yet, they are not recognized nor supported appropriately to meet the demands placed on them.

Regardless of your age, caregiving poses employment, health, social, emotional, physical, environmental and financial challenges. As a primary caregiver, I spent on average 5 to 15 hours a week on the following activities (cited in alphabetically; not in order of significance or time spent):

My experience with the health system continues to motivate me to make a difference in it, and support others to do the same. Thankfully, the narrative has begun to shift. Patient and family advocacy groups, institutions and governments have a greater line of sight to the needs of caregivers. With this progress remains considerable and essential gaps that need to be acknowledged and supported with the substantial backing for caregivers to thrive in their roles.

As Donna Thompson said during the Waiting Room Revolution podcast “perspective is dependent on everything you see” and by taking a step back you can regain control to see the bigger picture. The bigger picture may be the appropriate answers to these questions, the ability to gain awareness on what your strengths are, and what is the next step for you as you navigate through the now.

For the caregivers out there, know that I am with you. Here are some courses, tools and resources you may find helpful (cited in no particular order). I know I did.

Yours truly,

Amanda Calzolaio

Your Leadership Coach

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