Family Caregiving is a global role, necessity, and a crisis.

Working caregivers exist across the globe as do their advocates

Author

ieadvocates
March 25, 2025

Working Caregivers-The Invisible Employees Newsletter

Brought to you by ieadvocates (invisible employee advocates)

Thank you for being here!

Family caregiving is a global crisis and public health priority, affecting the quality of life for millions of people worldwide.

Once considered a private matter between family members, family caregiving is now a driving force for policy change and care support services among governments and communities around the world. This is largely due to increasing aging populations and chronic diseases, escalating healthcare costs and dwindling professional healthcare resources. Family members globally are stepping in to provide care for their loved ones that overwhelmed healthcare systems are unable to provide.

Did you know that (according to the International Alliance of Carer Organizations) there are over 63 million informal, unpaid caregivers around the globe? Just last year, the World Economic Forum reported that if unpaid caregivers were compensated for the work they do, it would represent about 9% of the world’s gross domestic product (GDP), which translates in dollars to $11 trillion. A significant contribution indeed! However, despite the tremendous value-added of the work of family caregivers, they for the most part remain unseen and underappreciated by the healthcare systems they support, their employers and society at large.

In this issue, we highlight some of the great work being done by caregiver advocates and governments outside the United States. Specifically, in honor of Canada’s National Caregivers Day (April 1 st ) we are pleased to share some of their accomplishes as well as their struggles to address the increasing demands around keeping loved ones cared for and safe. Recently, the Canadian Centre for Caregiving Excellence (the Centre) convened two round table discussions for the purpose of identifying ways for employers to assist their caregiving employees. This resulted in the Supporting Caregivers in the Workplace Round Table Report. This powerful report shares key insights around understanding caregiver needs and what employers can do to provided support. Liv Mendelsohn, Executive Director of the Centre stated the following:

“Today, one in four Canadians is a caregiver – a number projected to rise to one in two…62% of caregivers balance work and care, representing 6.1 million employees – or 35% of the labour force. These individuals do this without sufficient recognition or support, often facing significant economic and personal challenges. Yet, workplaces that embrace and support caregivers see measurable benefits: increased employee satisfaction, loyalty, and productivity.”

Similarly, in the Ontario Caregiver Organization’s Spotlight Report, Board Chair, Yves Savoie and CEO, Amy Coupal, stated:

“Balancing work and caregiving continues to be a challenge, with the number of caregivers who are considering cutting back hours or quitting their job continuing to rise…. While caregivers are receiving an increased amount of understanding from colleagues, they are wishing for more understanding and support from their employers.”

Dr. Sharon Anderson, Research Coordinator Family Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry in her Alberta discussion paper: The Hidden Workforce: Optimizing Support for Family Caregivers , made the following comment:

“By fostering a compassionate and inclusive culture, promoting caregiver-centered education, and implementing integrated care models, we can empower caregivers and ensure they receive the recognition and resources they deserve.”

We are also very excited to share that we launched a Global Caregiver Advocate Bonus Series with our podcast. Be sure to check out our first exciting “Bonus” podcast where we have an hour-long discussion with a powerhouse panel of Canadian experts in the care space (including Amy Coupal, Dr. Sharon Anderson and Christy Haanstra), regarding their accomplishments and concerns. And don’t forget to take a look at our blog that provides a global perspective of the aging in place concept – the idea of allowing aging family members to remain in their homes for as long as possible.

Whether you’re an employer, business manager, HR, or a working caregiver, this newsletter offers valuable insights along with win-win-win simple solutions to help implement meaningful change for organizations, employees who are caregivers, and their care recipients.

Table of Contents

In the news:

Latest research, events, and articles that are making an impact for working caregivers and their employers.

Canada’s National Caregivers Day is April 1st, 2025. Here's what Carers Canada is doing to celebrate.

Image from Carers Canada site

Carers Canada is a national coalition dedicated to recognizing and supporting caregivers (also referred to as carer or family caregiver). They are leading the campaign to honor the dedication and resilience of caregivers. On their website, they share why it is so important to help caregivers be better informed, self-aware of their emotions, and understanding more about their loved one’s prognosis. This helps reduce emotional burnout, stress levels, and be better prepared.

On April 1, Carers Canada will be hosting three webinars where experts and caregivers will share insights on navigating uncertainty, enhancing provider competencies, and scaling best practices.  Go to website for more information and to register here

Image from IACO site

The IACO “is a coalition of national non-governmental carer organizations working together to identify and address common caregiver challenges with the intent to increase awareness of the needs of caregivers and influence policy, programs and services in individual countries.” Started in 2012, this is a global effort to advocate for caregivers (or carers or family caregivers) across the globe.  

An update to the 2018 Global State of Care Report that came out in June of 2021 is worth reading. The 161 page report, as Nadine Henningsen, Board Chair of IACO and CEO of Carers Canada, writes, “is a landmark report …a step toward global collaboration on caring”. The report reviews 18 countries using six universal carer priorities:

Six universal carer priorities

 Did you know? (Read our blog):

Our blog brings you knowledge, personal and researched, to raise your awareness and empathy about working caregivers and caregiving.

Aging In Place: A Global Challenge (Blog 3/25/25)

Have you heard the story of the elderly woman who for years told her adult son that if she became unable to care for herself, she didn’t want to be placed in a nursing home? The thought of leaving her home and familiar surroundings terrified her. She wanted to remain in her own home until her death. Cut to the chase – the woman became disabled and her son felt he had no choice but to put his mom in a nursing facility. She died in the transport vehicle on the way there. True story.

The caregiving term for what the mom in this story wanted to do is called “aging in place.” It refers to an elderly individual being able to maintain independence as they age and staying in their home for as long as possible. (National Institute on Aging) This concept has become a significant challenge for countries around the world as global, elderly populations continue to increase.

People and Companies In the spotlight:

Our podcast puts a spotlight on guests who are making a significant difference in the working caregiver space.

Episode 14: Global Caregiver Advocates Bonus Series: Spotlight On Canadian Caregiver Advocates

We’re kicking off our Global Caregiver Advocate Series by heading north to spotlight the amazing work being done in Canada. We sat down with three incredible advocates—Christa Haanstra, Sharon Anderson, and Amy Coupal—who are making waves across the country when it comes to caregiver policy, support, and visibility. Join us as we explore how Canada is leading efforts to recognize caregiving as both a personal journey and a workforce strength. 

Christa Haanstra, Founder, 4C Strategy
With 25+ years of strategic leadership experience, Christa uses the power of storytelling to advocate for family caregivers. She champions their integration as essential partners in healthcare and policy. LinkedIn

Dr. Sharon Anderson, University of Alberta
A researcher and educator with a PhD in Family Gerontology, Dr. Anderson co-leads caregiver-centered education and research to better embed caregiver support in healthcare systems. LinkedIn

Amy Coupal, CEO, Ontario Caregiver Organization
A visionary nonprofit leader supporting Ontario’s 4 million caregivers. Amy’s personal caregiving experiences fuel her mission to amplify caregiver voices and improve systemic support. LinkedIn

Stories From Real Working Caregivers:

Actual working caregivers share their stories.

Meet Kate MacDonald, a real working caregiver:

Katie MacDonald

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“I was still working at the time. I had taken a week off as vacation time as most caregivers do, the theme of taking vacation time to look after their loved one. I was like, everything was really bad, and I thought we're going to have to get her [my mom] admitted into a psychiatric hospital…. I'd only been off since Monday. I was only planning to be off till Friday.

I went in on the Wednesday, and I said, “It's not getting better. I don't know if it's going to get better. I think I'm going to need to take another week.” I had five weeks of vacation. The time was there.  And she said, “Well, I'm off on holidays next week, and someone else is off on holidays the following week, so keep that in mind when you're making your plans.” 

I was completely caught off guard. Here I was, worried that my mom was dying and my world was collapsing around me, yet I was being asked to consider someone else’s vacation time?”

Katie MacDonald is a dedicated professional with experience in municipal services, education, and non-profit community engagement. She holds a Master of Education in Change Management and is currently pursuing a certificate in Adult Education.

As a caregiver to her brother and mother, Katie understands the challenges faced by sibling, young, and working caregivers. Her personal experiences drive her advocacy for meaningful support and resources.

Passionate about disability rights, she contributes her expertise to non-profit boards, working to create lasting change. Guided by empathy and resilience, Katie is committed to ensuring caregivers and individuals with disabilities receive the recognition and support they need. Click her for her LinkedIn.

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“So, I would tell my younger self to focus on what's within my control and that would be arming myself with the information”

Recommended media content:

We explore and share with you diverse media illuminating the dynamics and narratives within the care economy - from insightful podcasts to thought-provoking books and engaging videos.

PODCASTS

Suzy Rosenstein hosts Women in the MIddle loving life after 50. In episode 393, she interviews Christa Haanstra. This episode will help you understand the challenges and joys experienced by many family caregivers in midlife. Family caregivers, especially those working, face many challenges in midlife as they navigate taking care of the needs of many. Self-care is often ignored and puts many family caregivers at risk of burnout. Christa Haanstra helps shine a light on the experiences of many working family caregivers.

VIDEOS

Family Caregivers as Valued Partners to Support Aging in Place | Enabling Aging in Place

Family Caregivers as Valued Partners to Support Aging in Place In this webinar, participants will explore how health and social providers can adopt a Caregiver-Centered approach, improving the well-being and inclusion of family caregivers. Learn about practical strategies to implementing caregiver-centred care and how it can decrease caregiver burden, social isolation and improve the overall quality of the care experience. Speakers: Jasneet Parmar, Ph.D., Caregiver-Centered Care Project Lead, University of Alberta, Department of Family Medicine; Glenda Tarnowski, Caregiver-Centered Care Growth & Partnerships, University of Alberta, Department of Family Medicine; and Alison McKelvey-Jozsa, Social Worker, Caregiver Program, Specialized Geriatric Services, Alberta Health Services. Host: Andrea Piché, Senior Program Lead, Healthcare Excellence Canada

EDUCATION

Caregiver-Centered Care University of Alberta

The course will cover the 6 Competency Domains in the Caregiver-Centered Care Competency Framework:

  • A) Recognizing the Caregiver Role

  • B) Communicating with Family Caregivers

  • C) Partnering with Family Caregivers

  • D) Fostering Resilience in Family Caregivers

  • E) Navigating the Health & Social Systems
    and Accessing Resources

  • F) Enhancing the Culture & Context of Care

With gratitude, we share a book review:

We want to thank Traci Lamb who took the time to read our book and provide a thoughtful review!

“Zack is a phenomenal writer and knows the caregiving space giving fantastic ideas to help employers work with the employee caregivers. Highly recommend this book!! Outstanding!”

Order your copy of Working Caregivers-The Invisible Employees book here. If you want to order a quantity of books for your leadership team and employees, contact us directly about discount pricing.

Order Working Caregivers-The Invisible Employees Book here

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