Caregiver Recognition Act Report 2013-14

Manitoba Government Healthy Living, Seniors & Consumer Affairs

For further information, contact: Seniors and Healthy Aging Secretariat 1610 – 155 Carlton Street Winnipeg, MB Canada R3C 3H8 Phone: (204) – 945-6565 | Fax: (204) 948-2514 E-mail: [email protected] | Web Site: www.gov.mb.ca/shas

© 2013 Manitoba Government

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Table of Contents Minister’s Message

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Introduction ……………………………………………………………………..

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Provincial Caregiver Consultation …………………………………………. Consultation Highlights: ……………………………………………………

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Summary of Achievements ………………………………………………… Caregiver Recognition Day Celebrations ……………………………...... Caregiver Advisory Committee …………………………………………… Interdepartmental Working Group ……………………………………….. Employment and Caregiving ……………………………………………. Inventory of Programs and Services for Caregivers ……………………

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Conclusion

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Introduction Every day, more Manitobans are finding themselves in relationships where they are providing support to a family member, friend or neighbour. The type and frequency of this support is often different in each of these relationships, and can vary from a couple of hours a week to 24-hour care. Many individuals in these types of relationships do not refer to themselves as primary caregivers. They prefer to call themselves mothers, fathers, partners, grandchildren, sisters, brothers, friends or neighbours. Regardless of the term that is used to describe this type of relationship, there is a movement in our province to create greater awareness about what it means to be a caregiver and the rewards and challenges associated with the journey of providing care. Further discussion will also be helpful on how to decrease the negative impacts that caregivers experience to their personal relationships with others; their physical and emotional health; and their ability to participate in employment and activities of their choice. The Seniors and Healthy Aging Secretariat (SHAS) has been directed by the Minister of Healthy Living, Seniors and Consumer Affairs to provide leadership and coordination to all initiatives surrounding this Act. Over the last two years, SHAS has been working collaboratively across` government and with caregivers and community partners to start the dialogue on how we can work together to support caregivers. These discussions have led to many new ideas, opportunities and partnerships. This report, presented by the Minister of Healthy Living, Seniors and Consumer Affairs will include highlights from the Provincial Caregiver Consultation and an overview of accomplishments made since the proclamation of the Caregiver Recognition Act.

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Provincial Caregiver Consultation The Manitoba Government conducted an extensive consultation with caregivers across Manitoba to solicit valuable feedback on needs, supports and the meaning of recognition. Caregivers were asked a variety of questions through the consultation process which has resulted in a comprehensive socio-demographic profile of caregivers in Manitoba. Participants also provided feedback on challenges and identified opportunities for enhanced support and recognition which will inform future work. The most frequently identified challenge for caregivers was with system navigation and accessing information about existing programs and services. As such, further “strengthening of existing health and social services” was the most commonly suggested government priority among respondents. The second most commonly recommended priority was addressing the financial burdens of care provision. Approximately 32 per cent of respondents indicated that they needed either “a lot” or “quite a bit” more help with the financial impact of caregiving. This may include out-of-pocket expenses such as medications, supplies and equipment, travel costs, home renovations, and in some cases, certain services for the care recipient such as dental care. However, participants noted in surveys that they felt that this financial impact was being recognized by the government through the Manitoba Primary Caregiver Tax Credit. Consultation Highlights: 

400 caregivers participated (311 survey respondents and 89 focus group participants).

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86.8% of respondents were female, and 59.7% resided within Winnipeg.

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54.8% were caring for older parents; 21.9%, for a spouse; 11%, for a child; and 12.1% were caring for other family members, friends or neighbours.

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Caregivers provided considerable levels of care, with 43.7% reporting providing care for over 21 hours each week. 43% of respondents lived with the care recipient, and 35% provided care for more than one individual. 34.1% were caring for an individual with some form of dementia or cognitive impairment.

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Caregivers often feel compelled to provide care yet experienced negative impacts on their own well-being (e.g., 45.3% reported needing “a lot” or “quite a bit” more help managing the impact of caregiving on their mental or emotional well-being).

To review a copy of the Provincial Caregiver Consultation Report, please visit www.gov.mb.ca/shas.

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Summary of Achievements Caregiver Recognition Day Celebrations: As required by the Caregiver Recognition Act, the first Tuesday in April is proclaimed as Caregiver Recognition Day in Manitoba. For the last two years, the Seniors and Healthy Aging Secretariat has partnered with the Manitoba Caregiver Coalition and a Planning Committee representing stakeholders in this field, to assist with planning various celebratory activities for the day. In 2012, the Planning Committee hosting an event that empowered caregivers, particularly those who are employed, with information about various programs and supports available to caregivers in Manitoba. Approximately 500 caregivers attended the event, visiting more than 20 informational booths. In addition, the Minister of Healthy Living, Seniors and Consumer Affairs was in attendance to proclaim the day and to introduce members of the new Caregiver Advisory Committee. In 2013, another celebratory event was held for caregivers and those seeking information about caregiving. At this event, the Minister proclaimed the day as Caregiver Recognition Day in Manitoba and jointly announced with the Caregiver Advisory Committee that the Committee would be hosting a roundtable on caregiver issues. In addition, the Manitoba Caregiver Coalition launched a new awareness initiative called CareAware Manitoba. Caregiver Advisory Committee: A Caregiver Advisory Committee was appointed on April 3, 2012 to provide information, advice and recommendations to the Minister of Healthy Living, Seniors and Consumer Affairs about:  Caregivers and caregiver supports;  Programs, services, policies and legislation that relate to caregivers; and  Promoting recognition and awareness of caregiver. Since that time, the Committee has met regularly to review the findings from the provincial caregiver consultation, discuss issues and identify potential solutions to issues including system navigation; access to information regarding programs and services; and communication between caregivers and health care professionals. The Committee has invited important key stakeholders, such as Manitoba Health, Winnipeg Regional Health Authority and the Manitoba Caregiver Coalition to their meetings to inform their discussions and to provide additional perspective on caregiving issues. The Advisory Committee announced on April 2, 2013 that they would be hosting a unique roundtable on caregiving issues. For the first time in Manitoba, key stakeholders from the aging, disability, chronic disease and youth field were brought together to discuss caregiver issues including areas that require improvements. These discussions will help inform the Committee’s future work. 7

Interdepartmental Working Group: Given the broad definition of a caregiver and the range of outcomes stated within this Act, SHAS formed an interdepartmental working group to provide advice and expertise on the various needs of caregivers across the lifespan. The working group actively shares information and seeks opportunities to work together to increase the profile of caregiver issues across government. Currently the working group includes representation from the following departments: Aboriginal and Northern Affairs; Civil Service Commission; Disability Issues Office; Family Services and Labour; Manitoba Health; and the Mental Health & Spiritual Care Branch, Healthy Living, Seniors and Consumer Affairs.

Employment and Caregiving: In the Caregiver Recognition Act, it states that “caregivers should be supported to achieve greater economic well-being and sustainability and, where appropriate, should have opportunities to participate in employment and education.” For many caregivers, economic well-being is dependent on their ability to work. However, finding balance between work and caregiving responsibilities can be difficult for many caregivers. According to a 2011 survey of Canadian employees, 26% reported experiencing high levels of caregiver strain (VON Canada, 2010). Employers are also affected when their employees are experiencing high levels of caregiver strain. Employers may see a lost in productivity, increased absenteeism, and/or the loss of excellent human capital to the organization (VON Canada, 2010). In May 2012, the Conference Board of Canada estimated the cost to employers (missed work days, missed hours and employees quitting or losing a job as a result of caregiving to be $1.3 Billion (Home and Community Care in Canada: An Economic Footprint, May 2012). With an aging population and the preference for many individuals to age in their own communities, the number of employed caregivers is projected to increase. The majority of respondents that participated in the Provincial Caregiver Consultation indicated that they had some form of paid employment (59.7% full time, 13% part-time and 2.9% temporary leave). Only 3.6% stated they were unemployed and 20.1% reported being retired. It is not known whether participants left their paid employment or decided to retire due to caregiving responsibilities. To receive further insight regarding this issue as an employer, the province conducted three focus groups with civil servants who identified themselves as caregivers.

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The focus group participants provided vital information on their caregiving role and ideas on how the workplace could be further enhanced to support employed caregivers. Based on this feedback, SHAS has implemented the following initiatives: 

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Civil Servant Caregiver Information Email Network has been created to distribute information on caregiver issues, resources and employee benefits. To date, the membership of this network is at 317 and includes representation from across Manitoba. SHAS has successfully held two educational Lunch n’ Learns: 1) Primary Caregiver Tax Credit; and 2) Communicating with loved ones who have dementia (held via teleconference). In total 68 civil servants participated in the Lunch n’ Learns and have rated these sessions as being helpful to their caregiving journey. SHAS has had a number of meetings with the Civil Service Commission to discuss the impacts of caregiving in the workplace and identify ways to create supportive workplaces.

In addition to the work being completed by Manitoba in this area, the Federal/Provincial/Territorial (FPT) Ministers Responsible for Seniors have begun exploring the implications of caregiving on the participation of older workers in the workforce. An FPT Working Group has been developed with government representation from across Canada to inform Ministers on how to address this topic. The working group is co-chaired by the Seniors and Healthy Aging Secretariat and the federal government. Inventory of Programs and Services for Caregivers: The province has responded to the need for information by developing a number of publications, websites and phone lines that can be used by caregivers to access information and assistance with navigating the various systems. In 2012, the Seniors and Healthy Aging Secretariat updated and released “A Guide for the Caregiver: Information and Resources for Caregivers of Older Adults” and added a section for caregivers in the Manitoba Seniors Guide. From April 2012 to March 2013, SHAS distributed 10,587 copies of the Caregiver Guide to callers on the Manitoba Seniors Information Line. The Guide has also been distributed at a number of Seniors Health Fairs and events across Manitoba, including Caregiver Recognition Day. There are several non-profit organizations and chronic disease organizations that provide a number of valuable supports to caregivers such as support groups, information, and advocacy services. Caregivers are encouraged to connect with these organizations to see what programs and services can be accessed now and in the future. As outlined in the Caregiver Recognition Act, the Province has prepared an inventory of supports available for different types of caregivers. The list can be found at www.gov.mb.ca/shas or see addendum. 9

Conclusion Over the last two years, the Manitoba government has accomplished many achievements in increasing awareness and supports for caregivers across Manitoba. This includes celebrating two Manitoba Caregiver Recognition Days, conducting an extensive consultation with caregivers across the province, forming a Caregiver Recognition Act Interdepartmental Working Group, enhancing supports for employed caregivers within the Province of Manitoba, updating and distributing more than 10,000 copies of the Caregiver Guide and creating a Caregiver Advisory Committee to help inform the Minister of Healthy Living, Seniors and Consumer Affairs. As the only jurisdiction in Canada to have a legislative recognition act for caregivers, Manitoba has demonstrated a commitment to moving forward on addressing caregiver issues. With the leadership of the Seniors and Healthy Aging Secretariat, Manitoba will continue to move forward on this work in future years to come.

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