Caregiving is one of the most universal experiences, and yet, one of the most misunderstood. Whether it’s helping a parent manage medications, navigating a loved one’s transition to a retirement residence, or simply showing up day after day, caregivers are doing essential, often invisible work. We sat down with Kunal Parikh, a gerontologist and passionate advocate for aging populations, to talk about the reality of caregiving in Canada — what’s missing from the conversation, why recognition matters, and how we can better support those carrying the weight of care.
Caregiving Isn’t a Private Issue, It’s a Collective Responsibility
Caregiving is often seen as something personal, quiet, something to be handled within the family. But as Kunal Parikh reminds us, it’s time to shift that mindset and start treating caregiving as a social and systemic issue.
The scale alone demands it: 52% of women and 42% of men aged 15 and older in Canada provide some form of care to children or care-dependent adults. That’s nearly half the population engaged in caregiving work with most of it being unpaid, unrecognized, and unsupported. These numbers make it clear: caregiving isn’t a niche concern, it’s a national one.
“We fail to really see the implicit parts of caregiving, it is emotional support, mental support, being an advocate and social support." Caregiving is so deeply woven into everyday life that it often goes unrecognized, even by caregivers themselves.
This lack of recognition trickles into policy, funding, and workplace support. Without visibility, there’s no urgency to build infrastructure around it.
Caregiving Doesn't Stop at the Front Door
One of the most harmful myths, according to Kunal, is that "caregiving stops when the person you're caring for transitions to a retirement home … I would argue that assumption sets back self-efficacy." In reality, new medical, emotional, logistical challenges emerge and caregivers need to re-establish their role and confidence in a new environment.
Caregiving is not a short-term responsibility. Nearly 1 in 4 caregivers (24%) provide care for over 5 years, and the average caregiving journey lasts 4.5 years. This long-term commitment often extends well into the period after a loved one moves into a retirement or long-term care home, disproving the notion that institutionalization ends the caregiving role.
This misunderstanding not only obscures the ongoing demands but also leads to feelings of guilt and helplessness, just when caregivers need the most support.
Supporting the Supporters
So how can our healthcare systems and our communities do better?
Kunal emphasizes a multi-tiered approach:
Federal level: Tax credits, paid leave, and incentives for employers to recognize caregivers in the workplace. There is clear demand, 87% of caregivers in Canada say an income tax credit would be helpful and 86% would benefit from a monthly care allowance.
Provincial level: Peer support programs, caregiver education and training, systemic respite care, and clearer integration into healthcare plans.
Municipal level: Community health centres that offer localized support and respite options. In Ontario alone, there are approximately 4 million caregivers, many of whom rely on these centres to find the help and community they need.
Some steps are already underway. For example, Ontario’s introduction of caregiver ID badges gives families a voice in hospital care planning. But as Kunal points out, implementation is uneven and sometimes met with resistance from overburdened staff.
The Caregiver to the Caregiver
Support doesn’t always need to come from institutions. Kunal takes a page out of Lauren Rogan's book and encourages friends of caregivers to take an active role in their friends' lives.
“Essentially, if you have friends who you know are actively caregiving and spread thin you [should] become the caregiver to the caregiver … Don't ask 'let me know if I can help', [instead] send a home cooked meal."
This approach is more important than it may seem. 43% of caregivers in Ontario report feeling isolated and lonely, and 33% of unpaid caregivers of long-stay home care clients experience distress, including feelings of anger, depression, or the sense that they can’t continue. In these moments, even small actions like running an errand, dropping off a meal, or simply listening can help lighten a very real emotional load.
Why Kunal Is Optimistic
Despite the challenges, Kunal sees signs of progress. More conversations are happening politically, publicly, and personally. Caregiving is becoming less taboo and less of an apolitical issue.
“We’re getting better at talking about it … the more we talk about caregiving the more we destigmatize it and the more normal it becomes. Increasingly, caregiving is being discussed in political spheres, caregiving policies are part of political campaigns and that's exactly the direction that we should be going on."
And the numbers back this up: 76% of care providers and 61% of caregivers say that policy related to caregiving is important to how they vote. This growing political engagement reflects a shift in public priorities. Caregiving is no longer a private burden, but a national issue gaining overdue attention.
It’s a long road, but it starts with stories and awareness.
Start with Recognition. Continue with Action.
Whether you’re a caregiver yourself or know someone who is, the first step is recognizing the vital role caregivers play emotionally, physically, and socially. Start with real conversations. Ask what they need, offer specific help, and explore the resources available in your community. And when you’re ready, lean on professionals and advocates who understand that caregiving isn’t just a duty, it’s a shared responsibility that deserves recognition, support, and compassion.
CLICK HERE to connect with Kunal Parikh on Linkedin and learn more
Sources:
https://saferseniorcare.com/caregiver-statistics-facts/
https://www.cihi.ca/en/indicators/caregiver-distress
https://canadiancaregiving.org/policy-and-research/survey-summary/
