More than 50% of Canadians are concerned about the financial impact of caring for a sick family member, according to survey conducted for the Canadian Cancer Society.

Poll results also show that more than 60% of Canadians believe it is likely that they, or their spouse or partner, will be a caregiver to a sick family member in the future.

The poll found strong support for improved caregiver benefits, with 59% of respondents saying they would be more likely to vote for a party that promises a longer period of support for Canadians who have to be absent from work to care for a gravely ill family member.

Fifty per cent say that a fair government program would provide up to six months of paid leave if a person had to leave work temporarily to be a caregiver to a gravely ill family member.

“The Canadian population is aging and increasingly Canadians will be caring for loved ones who have cancer and other serious illnesses that could lead to death,” says Dan Demers, director, public issues, Canadian Cancer Society. “While some financial support currently exists for caregivers, much more needs to be done to assist these people who are the invisible backbone of our healthcare system.

Demers adds women and lower income families experience the biggest impact of inadequate support for caregivers. “The majority of caregivers are women and about 65% of caregivers report an annual household income of below $45,000.”

The national telephone poll, conducted by Innovative Research Group, was conducted among 1,015 Canadians from August 5 to 12.

IE