Every May, we honour the contributions of Canada's over eight million caregivers — and this month serves as a critical reminder that meaningful support is urgently needed. Senior caregivers, particularly those providing senior care at home, are carrying increasing responsibilities, and without action, the cracks in the system will only deepen.
In Edmonton, caregivers are playing a vital yet often invisible role. Many are seniors themselves, caring for aging spouses with limited public support. According to Justice.gc.ca, the lack of respite and home care services has left caregivers feeling tired, worried, and overwhelmed. This burden is even heavier for racialized, Indigenous, and LGBTQ2S+ communities, who face higher risks of financial and mental health challenges.
The shortage of professional care providers is compounding the issue. A Safe Long Term Care Act engagement report highlights job instability, low wages, and staffing shortages in long-term care (LTC) facilities. As a result, Edmonton caregivers and families are often left to bridge critical gaps in care. Strengthening the LTC workforce and better supporting Edmonton caregivers must be a top priority.
Access to healthcare also remains a significant barrier. Although virtual care has improved access to primary care in some cases, challenges persist in securing same- or next-day appointments and after-hours support. Across Canada, timely healthcare access still falls below international standards, according to the C.D. Howe Institute. Expanding virtual care options and improving coordination between healthcare and community supports are necessary steps forward.
Falls among older adults continue to be a serious concern. Emergency department visits and mortality rates related to falls are rising, particularly among women over 80 and those living alone. Investing in fall prevention initiatives, home modifications, and safety programs is essential to keeping seniors safe and supporting successful senior care at home.
Financial and legal challenges further complicate the caregiving journey. Seniors and their families often struggle to navigate complex systems with limited access to affordable legal and respite services. Public education campaigns and accessible resources could empower more families to find the help they need.
Fortunately, organizations specializing in Senior Care Edmonton are stepping up to meet these needs. Innovative programs offering caregiver education, affordable respite care, and coordinated support are making a difference. But broader system-wide investments are needed to make meaningful, lasting change.
Supporting caregivers is not just an act of compassion — it's a practical investment in the future health and wellbeing of our communities. As we mark National Caregiver Month, let’s move beyond gratitude alone and push for tangible improvements: investing in the LTC workforce, expanding healthcare access, strengthening home and community supports, and protecting seniors and caregivers from financial vulnerability.
Edmonton caregivers, and all caregivers across Canada, deserve more than recognition — they deserve a system that truly supports them and the loved ones they care for.
