The Canadian Hospice Palliative Care Association urges all Canadians to Recognize and Support Family Caregivers

April 5 is National Caregiver Day

Ottawa, ON – The Canadian Hospice Palliative Care Association, in partnership with We Care Home Health Services, a division of CBI Health Group, recognizes the dedication and devotion of all family caregivers on National Caregiver Day – April 5, 2014.

According to a recent Harris/Decima survey of Canadians, the average amount of time that Canadians expect to care for a dying family member is 54.4 hours per week. Furthermore, compared to a 2003 survey, expectations of caregiving commitment have increased. More Canadians this year expect that proper care will require two or more days of commitment each week (73%) compared to 10 years ago (59%). By raising awareness for family caregiving and the commitments required, we can hopefully improve access to vital tools and support services for family caregivers across Canada.[1]

The Canadian Hospice Palliative Care Association (CHPCA) in partnership with We Care Home Health Services, have developed an awareness campaign around National Caregiver Day. A Caregiver is an individual who provides ongoing care and assistance, without pay, for family members and friends in need of support due to physical, cognitive, or mental health conditions. Each year, April 5^th is a day for family and informal caregivers – family, friends, neighbours – to be acknowledged and celebrated.

“Caregiving for loved ones while meeting work and other family commitments can be a challenge for all involved, especially as it relates to end-of-life care,” says Sharon Baxter, Executive Director, Canadian Hospice Palliative Care Association (CHPCA). “Through this initiative, we hope to raise awareness around the daily challenges these caregivers face and the compassionate support they show everyday.”

We believe that all Canadians have the right to die with dignity, free of pain, surrounded by their loved ones, in a setting of their choice. It is crucial that the Canadian healthcare system have programs and services in place to provide the quality end-of-life care that Canadians need.

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For further information or to arrange an interview, please contact:

Vanessa Schwarz
Communications Officer
Canadian Hospice Palliative Care Association
E-mail: [email protected]
Phone: 613-241-3663 ext: 229

The Canadian Hospice Palliative Care Association — the national voice for hospice palliative care in Canada – is dedicated to the pursuit of excellence in care for persons approaching death so that the burdens of suffering, loneliness and grief are lessened. The CHPCA operates in close partnership with other national organizations and continues to work to ensure that all Canadians, regardless of where they may live, have equal access to quality hospice palliative care services for themselves and their family.