OCC applauds political parties for introducing policies to support caregivers

Oct 1 2011

Is Ontario finally heading in the right direction for caregiver support?

With just a week to go, the Ontario election is making history. All three major parties (Liberals, New Democratic Party and Progressive Conservatives) have named policies in their election platforms to support caregivers. The Ontario Caregiver Coalition (OCC) applauds these policies. Public recognition and support of caregivers is long overdue.

Today, one in five Ontarians is a caregiver and provides the majority of ongoing care to seniors, adults and children living with disabilities and/or chronic health conditions so they can remain in their own homes and communities longer. Caregivers give so much of themselves emotionally, physically and financially.

Caregivers also contribute significantly to the Canadian economy, saving the healthcare system up to $31 billion annually - that's more than $30.5 billion Exxon Mobile reported in profits this year.

With shifting demographics, economic uncertainty and rising healthcare costs, it's time that Ontario's decision-makers take notice of caregivers' valuable contribution.

The OCC is committed to working with all political parties to improve the policies put forward to ensure they benefit caregivers in most need.

Source: ALZHEIMER SOCIETY OF CANADA