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About Caregiver Awareness Month

May is National Caregiver Month, a time to celebrate and raise awareness about the experiences of Canada’s 8+ million people who give care to a family member or friend.  This month serves as a reminder of the vital role caregivers play in the well-being of our communities and offers an opportunity to raise awareness about the many challenges they face. 

Caregiver Aware is a national campaign to raise awareness about the experiences of caregivers in Canada. Created in collaboration with caregiver support organizations across the country, the campaign explores some of the areas that impact caregivers and care providers the most, including: 

Caregiver Facts:

  • One in four caregivers report fair or poor mental health. Caregivers are feeling tired (47%), worried or anxious (44%), or overwhelmed (37%) because of caregiving responsibilities. 
  • Caregivers provide an average of 5.1 hours of care a day, adding up to over 30 hours of unpaid care, or almost the equivalent of a full-time job.  
  • Senior caregivers are least likely to access any services or supports to help their responsibilities – from home modifications, to respite or transportation services. 
  • Half of caregivers have experienced financial stress in the past year due to caregiving. One in five (22%) caregivers has provided financial support to their care recipient, with 22% also reporting having spent at least $1,000 per month on out-of-pocket expenses. 
  • 80% of paid care providers have considered changing careers, citing unfair low compensation, inadequate staffing, discrimination and lack of unsafety at work.  

Explore the latest report by the Canadian Centre for Caregiving Excellence, Caring in Canada.

While half of Canadians will provide care at some point in their lives, many people don’t recognize themselves as caregivers, simply daughters, husbands, children or neighbours who are supporting a person they love.  Providing care is a natural part of being in a relationship and many people don’t know about the resources that exist to help them through their journey. Sound familiar? This year, we are bringing attention to caregiving for those who don’t identify as caregivers to encourage more awareness of support and resources in our caregiving community.

Definition of a Family / Friend Caregiver

A family or friend caregiver is an individual who provides unpaid care and support to someone living with a disease, disability, mental health challenge, or age-related frailty. This support may include assistance with daily living activities, emotional support, medication management, advocacy, and help navigating healthcare systems. The caregiving relationship is often shaped mutually by both the caregiver and the person receiving care, and it frequently coexists with other personal, professional, and social responsibilities.

You are a caregiver if you:

  • Deliver meals to someone you know who may not be able to provide for themselves
  • Offer emotional support to someone dealing with a medical condition
  • Assist with transportation to medical appointments or errands
  • Help with daily tasks, such as personal care, bathing, and dressing
  • Provide assistance with medical procedures or treatments, including managing medications
  • And more

Join us! Advocate for support and change for caregivers during National Caregiver Month by supporting the vital role of caregivers across Canada:

  • Amplify the message: Use #CaregiverAware to share your stories and raise awareness.
  • Support caregivers in your community: Acknowledge their efforts and offer support.
  • Advocate for policies: Speak up for policies that provide workplace flexibility, financial assistance, and better support services for caregivers.
  • Attend or host an event: Check our website for upcoming events or consider hosting your own to raise awareness and show solidarity with caregivers.

See our Media kit here. For inquiries, contact Christine Savard at comm@familycaregiversbc.ca.

Explore Events

In May 2025, various events in British Columbia will raise awareness for caregivers, including virtual support groups, information sessions:

Caregiving is a growing concern in Canada, with one in four Canadians currently providing care. Yet caregivers continue to face high levels of stress, low wages, and burnout, while seniors and people with disabilities struggle to access the support they need.

To address these challenges, the National Caregiving Strategy was developed by the Canadian Centre for Caregiving Excellence (CCCE) with input from thousands of caregivers, healthcare leaders, and community partners. Since February 2024, CCCE has worked closely with policymakers and health leaders to shape a vision that makes Canada the best place to give and receive care. Family Caregivers of BC is proud to contribute to this effort, helping to strengthen support systems for caregivers across the country. Read the National Caregiving Strategy here.

Family caregivers and supporters across Canada have a powerful opportunity to keep their voices heard—even after the 2025 federal election. The Canadian Centre for Caregiving Excellence has launched the Act on Care Campaign, built on the foundation of the National Caregiving Strategy, to ensure caregiving remains a priority in the national conversation. Family Caregivers of BC is proud to be a partner in advancing this national strategy to improve the lives of family and friend caregivers in BC and across Canada.

Participate in the Act on Care campaign and complete the form with your name and address. Click “submit” to auto-generate a letter to the Prime Minister, Ministers of Health and Seniors, your local MP, and confirmed candidates. Learn more

Resources

Caregiving organizations across the country provide many different types of supports to caregivers who provide care due to illness, aging or disability. Explore national and regional resources to support your caregiving journey.

Resources for Caregivers

Resources for Healthcare Professionals

Resources for Employers

Caregiver Stories

Family Caregivers Month Proclamation 2025

We are honoured that the Province of British Columbia has officially proclaimed May 2025 as Family Caregivers Month. This proclamation recognizes the essential role family caregivers play in supporting the health and well-being of individuals across our communities.