I would very much echo those comments in terms of the kinds of programs and supports people are looking for. One of the most common requests we receive on our helpline is how someone can get moved up on a wait-list. If we look at respite support, there's a desperate need for respite support for a caregiver in distress, but they are going to have to wait weeks or months to get it. That was even pre-pandemic. I think alleviating some of the pressure points on the wait-lists for the kinds of services that the other witness has identified would make a big difference.
We also hear from caregivers about other household kinds of supports that don't have an infrastructure. I need somebody to shovel my snow because I'm not able to shovel the snow. I need somebody to help me with some of those household chores. I know that for those of us who are able to do that, that seems like a very simple thing, but if someone is not able to do that, either as a result of their own physical condition or their caregiving responsibilities, those things make a difference.
What we do understand in terms of the financial pressures on caregiving is that they are paying out-of-pocket for both caregiving expenses and general living expenses. They are looking for alleviation in the financial burden they have taken on, which is in addition to the hours they are committing of time that may affect their own ability to work at all, or even how much they are able to work. Caregivers are facing this double impact in terms of their challenges with earning their own incomes and then spending the available money they have on caregiving and related expenses.