More than 1.3 milllion Canadians incurred social costs and more than 537,000 reported that their health suffered because of their caregiving responsibilities. Overall, a higher proportion of women than men incur these non-economic costs. Using Statistic Canada's 2007 General Social Survey, we describe the impact caregiving has on the health and social well-being of family/friend caregivers aged 45 and older in Canada.

The retrenchment of health care and other public support services coupled with economic and demographic changes have increased demands on family/friend caregivers. Family/friend caregivers are expected to do more with less. Yet the social and health consequences of providing family/friend care in this context can undermine caregivers’ own well-being. A better understanding of these non-economic costs is important to preserving this vital resource. Check our latest FACT sheet for more details on how providing care to a family member or friend with a long term health problem impacts caregivers' health and social activities and relationships with others.