Brenda Lenahan reflects on how the birth of her son, Cole, nearly 12 years ago brought significant changes to her life. Living in Tahsis, a small village on Vancouver Island’s west coast, she shares that Cole was born with a neurodevelopmental condition and faces health challenges. While caregiving presents its own set of difficulties, Lenahan, who doubles as the executive director of the B.C. Complex Kids Society, emphasizes that the real issue lies within the caregiving support system.
A recent report by the Canadian Centre for Caregiving Excellence (CCCE) sheds light on the crisis facing caregivers in Canada. The study, conducted from August to October 2025, surveyed 2,262 caregivers along with 309 paid care providers and 89 individuals who occupy both roles. It revealed that a staggering 77% of caregivers nationwide have experienced adverse effects on their well-being, a number mirrored in British Columbia.
Specifically in B.C., the report highlights that almost three-quarters (74%) of caregivers feel overwhelmed or anxious, with close to one-fifth (18%) reporting feelings of depression. Financially, the struggle is evident, with nearly half (49%) of Canadian caregivers and more than half (65%) in B.C. facing financial challenges. Shockingly, one in five caregivers in B.C. spend over $1,000 monthly from their pockets on caregiving expenses.
The report underscores the immense pressure on caregivers, who find themselves torn between meeting the financial demands of care and the time constraints it entails. Liv Mendelsohn, executive director at CCCE, describes the situation as a “perfect storm,” with unpaid caregivers experiencing distress and a significant portion contemplating leaving the field.
Moreover, the report reveals that B.C. caregivers access public home care services at a rate lower than the national average. It also indicates that a majority of care providers across the country have contemplated leaving the profession. Despite an increase in home-support services and the hiring of new home-health workers in B.C., advocates argue that public support systems have failed to keep pace with the rising demand.
Barb MacLean, executive director of the Family Caregivers of B.C., notes that employed caregivers bear the brunt of the situation, often sacrificing work opportunities and digging into their own pockets to cover caregiving costs. Families like Lenahan’s are advocating for comprehensive care and financial support, including child care, nursing, respite services, and access to support workers to enable them to balance caregiving with personal well-being.
The Ministry of Health in B.C. acknowledges the pivotal role caregivers play in the healthcare system and asserts ongoing investments in seniors and community care. With the number of seniors increasing, Mendelsohn stresses the urgent need for change nationwide, as caregiving responsibilities predominantly fall on aging parents. She highlights that this trend is expected to intensify over the next decade, affecting a significant portion of the population.
