Notice of release
Montréal, February 9, 2022. – In 2018, about 21% of Quebecers aged 15 and over, or about 1,489,000 people, were acting as informal caregivers (24% of women and 18% of men). Among these caregivers, nearly 60% were employed.
These results come from the data on informal caregivers in Québec released today by the Institut de la statistique du Québec. The data describe the extent of informal caregiving, the characteristics of caregivers, their relationship to the primary care receiver, as well as the assistance and care provided.
Age of caregivers and time spent providing assistance
Approximately 15% of people aged 15-44, 31% of those aged 45-64, and 21% of those aged 65 and over were acting as caregivers in 2018.
Nearly half of informal caregivers (45%) spent an average of one to three hours of their time every week providing assistance or care, while 30% spent ten or more hours a week providing support.
Primary care receivers are often family members
In 2018, the primary care receivers of informal caregivers were one of their parents (42% of cases), a sibling or extended family member (12%), a spouse or partner (10%), or a child (about 8%). For 13% of caregivers, it was a friend or neighbour.
The assistance provided to care receivers can take many forms. In 2018, 72% of caregivers provided transportation assistance, 51% performed maintenance work, 31% took care of banking operations, and 23% administered treatments or provided medical care.
General Social Survey – Caregiving and Care Receiving
The data released come from the General Social Survey – Caregiving and Care Receiving conducted by Statistics Canada in 2018. The purpose of the survey was to draw a portrait of the lives of informal caregivers and those who received care in the previous year. The population covered by the survey includes non-institutionalized persons aged 15 and over living in Canada’s ten provinces. The data presented relate to the Québec population.
The Institut de la statistique du Québec produces, analyzes and disseminates official, objective and quality statistical information on various aspects of Québec society. It is responsible for conducting all statistical surveys of general interest. The relevance of its work makes it a strategic ally for decision makers and all those wishing to learn more about Québec.