For many adult children, caring for an aging parent is a deeply meaningful role, but also one of the hardest. If you’ve recently spent more time with Mom or Dad and noticed changes in their health, mobility, or overall well-being, it’s normal to feel overwhelmed. Caregiving often begins gradually and grows into something much bigger than expected.
You may find yourself scheduling medical appointments, driving to errands, managing medications, helping with household tasks, and worrying constantly about falls or emergencies, all while balancing your own family and career. When you combine these responsibilities with a parent who may resist help because they fear losing their independence, the emotional burden can be overwhelming.
Overview of Unpaid Caregivers in Canada
If you’ve ever felt frustrated, guilty, or exhausted caring for an aging loved one, please know you’re not alone. Over 8 million Canadians are currently caring for someone they love, and about half of those individuals are caring for their parents or in-laws. It’s completely normal to feel overwhelmed and frustrated sometimes. Caregiving is often an emotional journey, filled with rewards and challenges. You may cherish the opportunity to give back to someone who once cared for you, but feel constantly torn between your needs and theirs. That’s why prioritizing yourself is just as important to the caregiving journey as providing care for someone else.
The Reality of Caregiving in Canada
Caregiving impacts millions of families. Many caregivers experience high levels of stress and isolation that can affect both their mental and physical well-being. Today, 1 in 4 working Canadians are also caring for an older adult. Most are between 45 and 64, raising children or supporting other family members at the same time.
Nearly 70% of seniors live with two or more chronic conditions like arthritis, diabetes, hypertension, or heart disease, meaning care needs often increase over time. And while caregiving can be rewarding, the demands can also lead to:
- Stress and burnout
- Trouble sleeping or concentrating
- Reduced work hours or missed opportunities
- Financial strain
- Tension in personal relationships
Caregiver fatigue doesn’t mean you’re doing something wrong. It means you’re doing a lot.
What Does Caregiving Stress Look Like?
It’s common for caregivers to ignore their own needs while focusing on their loved one. But early signs of stress deserve attention. These may include:
- Feeling tired or run down
- Increased anxiety
- Irritability or shorter patience
- Withdrawing from hobbies or social time
- Difficulty focusing
- Feeling resentful, overwhelmed, or alone
5 Caregiving Tips to Help Lighten the Load
While you can’t change the situation, you can focus on the things you can control. Here are some helpful tips:
1. Share the Load
Caregiving should never fall on one person. Talk openly with family and friends about the help you need, whether that’s driving to appointments, checking in weekly, or assisting with errands. Community resources like home care, adult day programs, or respite services can also offer breaks. Be sure to check out our Senior Service guide for links to helpful resources.
2. Use Technology to Reduce Worry
Technology can make caregiving easier and safer. Medication reminders, caregiving online resources, and other home automation tools can help streamline routines. And for seniors who live alone, a personal help button or medical alert service can provide immediate access to help in an emergency, easing your worry and supporting your loved one’s independence.
Victoria Lifeline offers no-obligation consultations where a trained education facilitator can speak directly with your parent about safety and aging in place. Sometimes hearing it from a neutral third party makes all the difference. To schedule a consultation, call (204) 956-6777.
3. Talk to Your Healthcare Provider
Your health matters too. If you’re feeling overwhelmed or showing signs of burnout, speak to your doctor. They can connect you with mental health support or community resources.
4. Build Your Resource List
Take time to gather information on the supports available to both you and your loved one. Understanding what’s out there, from meal programs to home care, can ease anxiety and help you plan ahead. Our Senior Service Guide can help you build that list as well.
5. Prioritize Small Acts of Self-Care
Self-care doesn’t need to be elaborate. A walk with a friend, journaling, meditation, or 20 minutes of quiet time can restore your energy. Prioritizing sleep can also be a crucial self-care step. A lack of sleep not only puts you at risk, but it also can hurt the very person you are caring for. Caring for yourself ensures you can continue caring for someone else.
You Don’t Have to Carry It Alone
Caregiving is an act of love, but it shouldn’t come at the cost of your own well-being. With the right tools, support networks, and resources, you can care for your aging parent or other family member/friend while protecting your own health and peace of mind. For caregiver mental health resources, visit the Canadian Mental Health Association.
Victoria Lifeline is here to help every step of the way.
Disclaimer
This article is meant to be informational in nature and should not replace the advice of a trained healthcare professional.
