Profile
Dr. Janet Fast is WP2-NEEDS-CG co-lead. She is a Professor in the Department of Human Ecology at the University of Alberta where she is Co-director of the Research on Aging, Policies and Practice research program. She holds a doctorate in Family and Consumer Economics from Cornell University. Throughout her career, she has engaged in research, policy and practice with a focus on the economics of aging and the paid work and unpaid care work of family members. Her research addresses family, labour, health and continuing care policy issues, and she is often called on to consult with or advise government policy-makers and NGOs on policy related to caregiving and workplace supports. She currently co-leads an international and multidisciplinary research team investigating the intersection of work and care across the life course. Projects currently in development include one investigating private market opportunities for information technology (IT) products to support employed caregivers. AGE-WELL Funded ProjectsOutputs
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| A snapshot of Canadians caring for persons with dementia: The toll it takesFACTS are research summaries that are intended for a broad-based audience comprised primarily of policy makers, practitioners, and advocates. The content of each brief is topical, often integrating research findings across projects. FACTS are available on the RAPP web site.
This particular research brief provides a snapshot of the lives of Canadians caring for a family member with dementia and the health, social and financial impacts they experience based on analysis of the 2012 Statistics Canada General Social Survey.2.4 ATforCC University of Alberta | Scientific Excellence - Advancing Knowledge | 2015-10-16 | | | Caregivers in Nova Scotia: economic costs and contributionsCo-created with Angus Campbell of Caregivers Nova Scotia, and based on provincial-level analysis of the 2012 General Social Survey, the infographic is used in Caregiver NS's advocacy work. Angus wrote: "My team is so impressed. I presented them to my Board on Saturday. I am forwarding them to the NS Dept of Health and Wellness (our funder) as well as the Continuing Care branch of the NS Health Authority. I also have some meetings with Emergency Health Services, Geriatrics, and Acute Care coming up." Caregivers NS uploaded these to their website (they get over 9,000 hits per month), emailed them out to their entire distribution list of 1500 people, and posted on their social media accounts resulting in 2000 views so far.
The infographic is posted on their website here https://caregiversns.org/news/
2.4 ATforCC University of Alberta | KTEE - Knowledge Mobilization | 2020-01-16 | | | Who are employed caregivers in Canada?We are excited to share the first infographic in our series on employed caregivers in Canada. Our infographics are based on an analysis of the 2018 Statistics Canada General Social Survey on Caregiving and Care Receiving, and co-created with our valued government, community, and industry partners,
Who are employed caregivers in Canada? was posted today to our RAPP website http://bit.ly/3gLR6Ys - and with support from our colleagues at the Vanier Institute of the Family, it was translated into French http://bit.ly/3EMwOWz
In their monthly e-newsletter, the Vanier Institute of the Family included the infographic as part of their column Recent Releases.
Maintaining employment in the face of caregiving is essential to caregivers' financial security. Raising awareness about the challenges employed caregivers face is a first step to strengthening support.
AWCRP-2020-16 University of Alberta | KTEE - Knowledge Mobilization | 2022-11-30 | | | How does caregiving impact paid work for employed women and men?This three-page infographic (the second in a series of six) describes the gender differences in the impact of caregiving on paid work. The infographic was co-created with partners based on an analysis of the 2018 General Social Survey on Caregiving and Care Receiving and produced and translated into French in partnership with staff at the Vanier Institute of the Family. A Tweet sheet highlighted key messages for social media promotion by our partners.
How does caregiving impact paid work for employed women and men? EN: https://bit.ly/3GR3IYv FR: https://bit.ly/3ZubMWf and featured on the Vanier Institute of the Family home page https://vanierinstitute.ca/AWCRP-2020-16 University of Alberta, Caregivers Alberta, Vanier Institute of the Family | KTEE - Knowledge Mobilization | 2023-01-10 | | | Who are the employed caregivers at greatest risk of poor work-life balance and job insecurity?Work-life balance and job security are important to all workers, including employed caregivers, and contribute to happier, healthier, and more productive employees. This infographic is the third (in a series of six) that describes how the nature of care puts some employed caregivers at higher risk of poor work-life balance and job insecurity.
https://bit.ly/3zzSlQ1AWCRP-2020-16 University of Alberta | KTEE - Knowledge Mobilization | 2023-04-03 | | | How much do employed caregivers contribute to the Canadian economy?This is the sixth and final infographic in a series about employed caregivers in Canada.
We wondered what it would cost to replace employed family caregivers’ unpaid care work with the services of paid home support workers. To calculate the monetary value, we used the national median hourly wage paid to home support workers ($17/hour). We estimated, conservatively, the value of employed family caregivers’ contributions to be $51.5 billion per year, which represents three times the national expenditures on home, long-term, and continuing care services.¹
EN: http://bit.ly/3NrM8he FR: http://bit.ly/3AGhsBgAWCRP-2020-16 University of Alberta | KTEE - Knowledge Mobilization | 2023-05-01 | | | Supporting employed caregivers makes good business sense1 in 4 Canadians of employment age (19-70) combine mostly full-time jobs with family caregiving responsibilities. Yet most employers are unaware of the challenges these 5.2 million employees with caregiving responsibilities face and the impact it can have on their business. This fifth infographic (in a series of six) describes the aggregate impact of caregiving on talent retention and productivity and the solutions that help.
EN: http://bit.ly/3nfWRRt FR: http://bit.ly/40TUwsYAWCRP-2020-16 University of Alberta | KTEE - Knowledge Mobilization | 2023-05-01 | | | What are the availability and impact of flexible work arrangements for employed caregiversEmployed caregivers often want flexible work arrangements (FWAs) to help them integrate their dual responsibilities of paid jobs and unpaid family caregiving. This fourth infographic (in a series of six) describes employed caregivers’ access to a range of flexible work arrangements and identifies the impact that specific FWAs have on strengthening job security.
EN http://bit.ly/3oVHvSv FR: http://bit.ly/3LJ3YLD AWCRP-2020-16 University of Alberta | KTEE - Knowledge Mobilization | 2023-05-01 | | | State of caregiving in Canada (2012 v 2018): Workload intensifies and well-being declinesThis 2-page infographic compares Statistics Canada national survey data from 2012 and 2018 on key indicators. Overall, the workload of family caregiving in Canada has intensified and caregivers' well-being and relationships have declined. More support is needed to sustain family caregivers. The infographic is distributed to our partners for advocacy and program and policy development. It is available on the RAPP website at https://rapp.ualberta.ca/snapshot-of-aging/ AWCRP-2020-16 University of Alberta | KTEE - Knowledge Mobilization | 2023-12-20 | | | In which occupations do employed family caregivers work in Canada?This 2-page infographic shows where employed family caregivers in Canada work based on an analysis of Statistics Canada's 2018 General Social Survey. Nearly two-thirds work in these four sectors:
1. Business, finance and administration
2. Sales and service
3. Education, law, and social, community and government services
4. Trades, transport and equipment operation.
The infographic is co-created with and distributed to our partners for advocacy, education, and program and policy development; it's available on the RAPP website at https://rapp.ualberta.ca/snapshot-of-aging/AWCRP-2020-16 University of Alberta | KTEE - Knowledge Mobilization | 2023-12-20 | | | Employed family caregivers in Alberta are more/less likely to work in some occupationsThis 2-page infographic was co-created with our partners based on analysis of Statistics Canada's 2018 General Social Survey. We found that 69% of employed family caregivers in Alberta worked in four sectors:
1. Business, finance and administration
2. Trades, transport and equipment operation
3. Education, law and social, community, and government services
4. Sales and service
Comparing employed Albertans (age 19-70 years) with and without family caregiving responsibilities, we found that employed family caregivers are more strongly represented in inherently flexible occupations, such as occupations in business, finance, and administration, and those in education, law, and social, community and government services. Conversely, they are under-represented in less flexible occupations like sales and service.
The infographic is distributed among our community and government partners for their use in advocacy, education, program and policy development. It's available on our RAPP website at https://rapp.ualberta.ca/snapshot-of-aging/AWCRP-2020-16 University of Alberta | KTEE - Knowledge Mobilization | 2023-12-20 | | | Valuing Family Caregivers' Contributions to the Care EconomyAWCRP-2020-16 University of Alberta | Scientific Excellence - Advancing Knowledge | 2023-07-04 | | | Trajectories of family care over the life course: evidence from CanadaAbstract: In the midst of a ‘care crisis’, attention has turned again to families who are viewed both as untapped care resources and as disappearing ones. Within this apparent policy/demographic impasse, we test empirically theorised trajectories of family care, creating evidence of diverse patterns of care across the life course. The study sample, drawn from a Statistics Canadian national survey of family care, comprised all Canadians aged 65 and older who had ever provided care (N=3299). Latent profile analysis
yielded five distinct care trajectories: Compressed Generational; Broad Generational; Intensive Parent Care; Career Care; and Serial Care. They differed in age of first care experience, number of care episodes, total years of care, and amount of overlap among episodes. Trajectories generally corresponded to previously hypothesised patterns but with additional characteristics that added to our understanding of diversity in life course patterns of care. The five trajectories identified provide the basis for further understanding how time and events unfold in various ways across life courses of care. A gap remains in understanding how relationships with family and social network members evolve in the context of care. A challenge is presented to policy makers to temper a ‘families by stealth’ policy approach with one that supports family carers who are integral to health and social care systems.2.4 ATforCC University of Alberta | Scientific Excellence - Advancing Knowledge | 2020-01-08 | | | Research recap: Beyond "snapshots" to "lifetimes" of family careCo-created in partnership with Nathan Battams at the Vanier Institute of the Family, the research recap highlights the five empirically-derived care trajectories across the life course based on our analysis of the 2012 General Social Survey.
The article is accessible on the Vanier Institute of the Family web site: https://vanierinstitute.ca/resources/research-recaps/
As of February 25, 2020, the article has been accessed 460 times, 267 page views of blog version, and 193 PDF downloads. On Twitter it reached 1,122 and on Facebook it had 27 engagements (likes and retweets).2.4 ATforCC University of Alberta | KTEE - Knowledge Mobilization | 2019-06-25 | | | NEW Caregivers in Alberta: Economic costs and contributionsA two-page infographic that describes the costs and contributions of caregivers in Alberta, based on new analysis of Statistics Canada's 2018 General Social Survey, was co-created with Caregivers Alberta. The infographic was widely distributed, including being posted to CORE Alberta, the Government of Alberta's Collaborative Online Resources and Education portal. CORE is the knowledge hub for Community-Based Seniors Serving organizations and allied agencies and individuals in Alberta. The infographic was also included in the Alberta Seniors and Housing Minister's newsletter. Caregivers Alberta featured the new infographic in their December 2021 Caregiver Connections newsletter, and they are already using the new statistics in their advocacy work on their social media channels.AWCRP-2020-16 University of Alberta, Caregivers Alberta | KTEE - Knowledge Mobilization | 2021-11-03 | | | NEW Caregivers in Alberta: impact on wellbeingA two-page infographic that describes the impact of caregiving on the wellbeing of caregivers in Alberta, based on new analysis of Statistics Canada's 2018 General Social Survey, was co-created with Caregivers Alberta. The infographic was widely distributed, including being posted to CORE Alberta, the Government of Alberta's Collaborative Online Resources and Education portal. CORE is the knowledge hub for Community-Based Seniors Serving organizations and allied agencies and individuals in Alberta. The infographic was also included in the Alberta Seniors and Housing Minister's newsletter. Caregivers Alberta featured the new infographic in their December 2021 Caregiver Connections newsletter, and they are already using the new statistics in their advocacy work on their social media channels.AWCRP-2020-16 University of Alberta, Caregivers Alberta | KTEE - Knowledge Mobilization | 2021-11-03 | | | 7 reasons we should care about caregiversWe were interviewed by Bev Betkowski from UofA External Relations for a digital news story released on National Caregiver Day, April 4.AWCRP-2020-16 University of Alberta | KTEE - Knowledge Mobilization | 2023-04-04 | | | Value of Family Caregiving in CanadaBased on analysis of the 2018 General Social Survey on Caregiving and Care Receiving (the most recent national survey available), we created a two-page infographic that highlights the proportion and number of caregivers in Canada, the aggregate amount of time they spend providing care (5.7 billion hours), the economic value of family care work ($97.1 billion or 2.8 million FTE workers), and the magnitude of caregivers' contributions to the Care Economy. Caregivers' aggregate time and value by province were also included.
Release of this infographic was coordinated with an article in The Conversation Canada, and shared in advance with our industry, community and government partners so they could use the findings and promote it across their respective networks and social media channels (including AGE-WELL, CanAge, Canadian Home Care Association, Caregivers Alberta, Family Carers Alberta, MatchWork, Vanier Institute of the Family, University of Manitoba and Sustainable Care in the UK).
Partners have commented on how valuable this resource is, and how often they reference it in their advocacy work. In the first month, the infographic had 293 hits from Canada, France, the USA and seven other countries. Organizations and individuals who retweeted the post during the first week included: Canadian Centre for Caregiving Excellence, National Institute on Ageing, and other influencers. The infographic continues to garner lots of attention, having 83 hits so far in April.
The infographic is available on the University of Alberta RAPP website (rapp.ualberta.ca/snapshot-of-aging) here: bit.ly/3133yLV
AWCRP-2020-16 University of Alberta | KTEE - Knowledge Mobilization | 2022-02-21 | | | Young Caregivers (age 15-19) in Canada2-page infographic written by Jamie MacDonald, Jacquie Eales and Janet Fast, in consultation with community and government partners including members of youngcaregivers.ca, based on analyses of Statistics Canada’s 2012 General Social Survey on Caregiving and Care Receiving. Funding provided by Roger S. Smith Research Award and AGE-WELL NCE.
The infographic was released on October 1 in recognition of International Day of the Older Person. https://rapp.ualberta.ca/wp-content/uploads/sites/49/2019/09/2019-10-01-Young-Caregivers-in-Canada-infographic.pdf
2.4 ATforCC University of Alberta | KTEE - Knowledge Mobilization | 2019-10-01 | | | Insights on Retaining Employed Family Caregivers in Your Talent PoolAn insight blog post was written and produced in partnership with colleagues at MatchWork, Caregivers Alberta, and Vanier Institute of the Family based on interesting insights from a small crowdsourced survey of employed caregivers.AWCRP-2020-16 University of Alberta, Caregivers Alberta, Other, Vanier Institute of the Family | KTEE - Knowledge Mobilization | 2023-01-23 | | | Final commentary for CJA supplemental issue: The hidden costs of care [Observations finales pour le numéro supplémentaire de la RCV: Les coûts cachés des soins] University of Alberta | Scientific Excellence - Advancing Knowledge | 2008-01-01 | | | The hidden costs of informal elder careDemographic, socio-economic, and political trends throughout the developed world have contrived to make elder care an issue of utmost policy importance. They also have led to sharp reductions in health and social program expenditures. Policymakers are looking to communities to help meet growing care needs because community care is believed to be better and cheaper than institutional care. However, these beliefs become untenable when costs beyond public sector costs are considered. In fact, informal care carries a number of hidden costs that seldom are considered in health and social policy discussions. This article introduces a taxonomy of the costs of informal elder care, which can be categorized as out-of-pocket expenditures, foregone employment opportunities, unpaid labor, and emotional, physical and social well-being costs. Then, an illustration is provided regarding how the taxonomy can be applied to understanding the incidence, magnitude, and distribution of these costs among stakeholder groups. This taxonomy can help inform ongoing debate about health and social policy reform. University of Alberta | Scientific Excellence - Advancing Knowledge | 1999-09-01 | | | Caregiving for older adults with disabilities: Present costs, future challengesCommissioned paper for the Institute for Research on Public Policy No 58, December 2015.2.4 ATforCC University of Alberta | Scientific Excellence - Advancing Knowledge | 2015-12-16 | | | Being older not main reason some Canadians struggle with technologyJanet Fast was interviewed by Helen Metella, Communications Associate for the Faculty of Agriculture, Life and Environmental Sciences about her research on the digital literacy of older workers. The article was written and included a comment from Andrew Sixsmith as one of AGE-WELL's Scientific Directors. It was posted to the Faculty web site on June 19, 2017. Being older not main reason some Canadians struggle with technology: Study shows it's more about income, education, opportunity. The article is posted at: https://www.ualberta.ca/agriculture-life-environment-sciences/alesnews/2017/june/being-older-not-main-reason-some-canadian-workers-struggle-with-technology 2.4 ATforCC University of Alberta | KTEE - Knowledge Mobilization | 2017-06-19 | | | The Intersection of Caregiving and Employment Across the Life CourseThe purpose of this project was to better understand the interplay between individuals’ caregiving and employment across their life course and the cumulative risks to employment, financial security and well-being that caregivers face. Relying on the Taxonomy of Economic Costs of Care for Family/Friend Caregivers, developed as part of a companion project to this one, and data from the 2007 cycle of Statistics Canada’s General Social Survey on family, social support, work and retirement transitions of mid-life and older Canadians, we examined Canadians’ caregiving trajectories and risk factors for experiencing care-related employment consequences. Our analyses verified previous findings that caregiving is an increasingly common experience, one that is likely to be experienced by the majority of Canadians at some time during their lives; that most caregivers are employed and most of these are employed full time; and that caregivers commonly accommodate their employment to care demands. Those most at risk of experiencing care-related employment consequences, such as absenteeism, working fewer hours for pay, and being out of the labour force, include: women (especially those caring for a disabled child); men caring for a spouse; those approaching retirement age; those in poorer health; and those spending more time performing care tasks (women spending more than 20 hours per week on care tasks; men spending as few as 10 hours per week caregiving). Care-related employment consequences have implications for the economic security of caregivers, but also important downstream implications for employers, labour market sustainability and the health of the economy in general. At a time when population aging is expected to result in future skilled labour shortages as well as increased demands on family/friend caregivers, these labour market implications cannot be ignored. University of Alberta, University of Guelph | Scientific Excellence - Advancing Knowledge | 2013-01-01 | | | Final commentary for CJA supplemental issue: the hidden costs of care2 page viewpoint, no abstract2.4 ATforCC University of Alberta | Scientific Excellence - Advancing Knowledge | 2008-01-01 | | | Characteristics of Family/Friend Care Networks of Frail SeniorsThis paper tests assumptions often made by policy makers and practitioners that networks of family, friends, and neighbours are able to provide sustained care to frail elderly Canadians. Using national survey data, we examined characteristics of the care networks of 1,104 seniors living with a long-term health problem. Care networks were found to vary considerably in size, relationship composition, gender composition, age composition, and proximity, and these network characteristics were found to help explain variations in the types and amounts of care received. As a result, network characteristics that might place seniors at risk of receiving inadequate care (including small size and higher proportions of non-kin, male, and geographically distant members) were identified. These risk factors appear to be poorly reflected in most existing policy. University of Alberta | Scientific Excellence - Advancing Knowledge | 2004-03-01 | | | Supporting People who Juggle Work and Caregiving: Challenges and SolutionsJanet Fast and Johnna Lowther from Caregivers Alberta participated in the AGE-WELL Public Webinar Series on November 7, 2019 to talk about Supporting People who Juggle Work and Caregiving: Challenges and Solutions.
Description: Caregivers are an important part of AGE-WELL’s community - from participating in projects to providing advise at the network level. In this webinar, participants:
· Learned about the challenges Canadians face when they have a dual role of working and caregiving
· Discovered technology-based solutions and practices that can help caregivers
· Understood the importance of recognizing this unpaid workforce and the value they add to our economic and healthcare systems
The webinar was well received, with a strong majority of those who completed the follow-up evaluation indicating that the information presented in the webinar was very or extremely useful and an even stronger majority that they were very or extremely likely to share the recording with a friend.
The webinar was recorded and is posted online at https://www.youtube.com/watch?reload=9&v=szznr9pHk2g&feature=youtu.be 2.4 ATforCC University of Alberta | KTEE - Knowledge Mobilization | 2019-11-07 | | | Using technology to support caregivers of older people with dementiaThis article was undertaken as part of a WP2 KTEE initiative in year 5 on behalf of its four core research projects. We submitted an article for The Conversation Canada, which was subsequently published.
Story pitch: Caregiving takes a significant toll on the nearly half million Canadians caring for a family member or friend with dementia. While research and innovation are essential for effective implementation of the Dementia Strategy for Canada, so too is getting the right balance between ‘tech’ and ‘touch’.
2.1 INToCARE, 2.2 MovIT-PLUS, 2.3 CARE-RATE, 2.4 ATforCC, AWCRP-2020-17 University of Alberta, Université de Montréal, Centre de recherche de l'Institut universitaire de gériatrie de Montréal, University of Montreal | KTEE - Knowledge Mobilization | 2019-09-16 | | | CBC Interview about young caregivers in CanadaJanet Fast was interviewed by Josee St-Onge from CBC about young caregivers in Canada on September 26. The interview was aired on Oct 1, International Day of the Older Person, as part of releasing an infographic about young caregivers (aged 15-19) in Canada who provide care to a family member or friend with a chronic health condition, disability or aging-related needs.2.4 ATforCC University of Alberta | KTEE - Knowledge Mobilization | 2019-10-01 | | | Goals vs Needs: What Caregivers WantDr. Janet Fast and Dr. Myles Leslie were interviewed by Jenna Roddick for an APPTA MileAGE podcast, sharing findings from their most recent study and collaboration on caregivers' goals.
Here is the link to their MileAGE podcast: https://podcasts.google.com/?feed=aHR0cHM6Ly9taWxlYWdlcG9kY2FzdC5saWJzeW4uY29tL3Jzcw&episode=NTRjZDhlZjIyZDliNDc1Mjg3NzU2YTYxNzliYzQ4ZjU&hl=en-CA&ved=2ahUKEwiz7O3q-YrmAhWUNX0KHfKoDtkQjrkEegQIARAG&ep=6&at=1574876963081 2.4 ATforCC, 2.9-CAT University of Alberta, University of Leicester, Johns Hopkins Medicine, University of Calgary, | KTEE - Knowledge Mobilization | 2019-09-30 | | | More than a quarter of young Canadians aged 15 to 19 are caregivers, research showsJanet Fast was interviewed by Bev Betkowski from the University of Alberta's media affairs office. The subsequent article was published November 25, 2019 in Folio. Caring for family members or friends poses challenges to teens’ health, social development and educational prospects, U of A researcher finds.2.4 ATforCC University of Alberta | KTEE - Knowledge Mobilization | 2019-11-25 | | | Edmonton Journal article 'Not limited to adults': Many Canadian youth are caregivers, says UofA researcherJanet Fast was interviewed by Jason Herring for an article on young caregivers in Canada. The article, 'Not limited to adults': Many Canadian youth are caregivers, says UofA researcher, appeared in the Edmonton Journal on December 1, 2019.
This original article was picked up by several other newspapers including the Edmonton Sun, Calgary Sun and Calgary Herald.2.4 ATforCC University of Alberta | KTEE - Knowledge Mobilization | 2019-12-01 | | | Edmonton Sun article 'Not limited to adults': Many Canadian youth are caregivers, says UofA researcherArticle published in the Edmonton Sun about young caregivers in Canada based on an interview with Janet Fast. 2.4 ATforCC University of Alberta | KTEE - Knowledge Mobilization | 2019-12-01 | | | Calgary Sun article 'Not limited to adults": Many Canadian youth are caregivers, says UofA researcherArticle was published in the Calgary Sun, based on an interview with Janet Fast about young caregivers in Canada. Article was written by Jason Herring.2.4 ATforCC University of Alberta | KTEE - Knowledge Mobilization | 2019-12-01 | | | Calgary Herald article 'Not limited to adults': Many Canadian youth are caregiversArticle published in the Calgary Herald based on an interview with Janet Fast about young caregivers in Canada.2.4 ATforCC University of Alberta | KTEE - Knowledge Mobilization | 2019-12-01 | | | An end to the old ways of bankingJanet Fast was interviewed by Joel Schlesinger for an article published in the Winnipeg Free Press.2.4 ATforCC University of Alberta | KTEE - Knowledge Mobilization | 2020-05-23 | | | Media interview with CBC Edmonton about women and caregiving during covidJanet Fast was interviewed by Stephanie Dubois of CBC Edmonton. She is working on a story about the huge demand from women in Alberta for the Canada recovery caregiver benefit (one of the programs that replaced CERB). New data published shows that a higher proportion of women applied for the benefit in Alberta compared to other provinces. AWCRP-2020-16 University of Alberta | KTEE - Knowledge Mobilization | 2020-12-16 | | | Alberta Continuing Care Act legislative review inputTo support the healthcare system, vulnerable Albertans, and caregivers, Caregivers Alberta – in conjunction with the Alberta Caregivers Focused Coalition (a strategic alliance of 63 organizations in Alberta committed to improving support for caregivers) – we were invited to, and provided input on, modernizing the Continuing Care Act in Alberta. Our submission aimed to improve caregiver wellbeing by enshrining five principles, to the extent possible, within the new Act. The following principles speak to the core of our proposal:
1) That caregivers should be referenced in legislation in a way that allows them to access continuing care services;
2) That continuing care services enable caregivers to achieve outcomes that support them in their daily caregiving activities;
3) That reflects a holistic definition of caregiver wellbeing that encompasses physical, psychological, social and material outcomes;
4) That caregivers be considered the best judges of what constitutes well-being for them;
5) That decisions about the provision of supports consider and respect caregivers’ other linked life
circumstances (e.g., other caregiving responsibilities, family responsibilities, living circumstances, etc.)
The Facility-Based Continuing Care Review Recommendations Report was released on May 31, 2021 and will be going to Cabinet for consideration in the fall of 2021 along with a detailed action plan on how to implement the recommendations. Despite the evidence presented, and our expressed concerns about the impact of client-directed care (also known as self-managed care) on family caregivers, the provincial government decided to implement client-directed care across the province. That being said, they are well aware of the need to reduce the administrative burden on caregivers, and as a result, they have enlisted Alberta Blue Cross to complete the administrative pieces of the program. Alberta Blue Cross is reportedly very good at this work and creating streamlined programs. Clients/families will steer how they want services delivered, and the agency can direct bill up to the assessed hours. They are starting with a demonstration project in Edmonton, including conducting focus groups with clients/families to hear their feedback.
More work will be needed as recommendations are considered and implemented.2.4 ATforCC, AWCRP-2020-16 University of Alberta, Caregivers Alberta | KTEE - Knowledge Mobilization | 2021-02-17 | | | Experiences in Caregiving during COVID-19: What have we learned?In recognition of National Carers Day on April 6, 2021, we convened a catalytic conversation about experiences in caregiving during COVID-19: what have we learned? Sponsored by AGE-WELL, the panel discussion brought together Ron Beleno, Co-Chair of the AW Older Adult and Caregivers Advisory Committee; Catherine Suridjan, Director of Policy and Knowledge Translation, Canadian Home Care Association | Carers Canada; Janet Fast, Professor, University of Alberta and AW Research; and Nora Spinks, CEO Vanier Institute of the Family. The webinar was recorded and subsequently posted on the Carers Canada website and AGE-WELL's YouTube channel.AWCRP-2020-16 University of Alberta, Independent, Canadian Home Care Association, Other, Vanier Institute of the Family | KTEE - Knowledge Mobilization | 2021-04-06 | | | Informing Bill C-220, Compassionate Bereavement BillJanet Fast provided research evidence to inform MP Matt Jeneroux's Private Members Bill C-220, Compassionate Bereavement Bill. As Matt Jeneroux wrote: "This bill has been the result of a lot of hard work over the past year-and-a-half and I appreciate everyone who’s taken the time to meet, to offer feedback and suggestions and to check in on its progress." All parties supported the merit of this bill which passed all three readings in the House of Commons with unanimous votes, and the Senate. The Bill is awaiting Royal Assent. 2.4 ATforCC, AWCRP-2020-16 University of Alberta | KTEE - Knowledge Mobilization | 2021-05-12 | | | Making caregivers' contributions visible, valued and sustainableJanet Fast and Jacquie Eales were invited to present to the Alberta Caregivers Focused Coalition recent findings from the 2018 General Social Survey on Caregiving. The presentation highlighted key messages from two infographics co-created with Caregivers Alberta. AWCRP-2020-16 University of Alberta | KTEE - Knowledge Mobilization | 2022-01-18 | | | Quit or get fired - Survey finds 1 in 20 family caregivers overwhelmed by demandsOn Feb 2, 2022 Janet Fast and Jacquie Eales were interviewed by Elise Stolte of CBC Calgary about the 5% of caregivers in Alberta who exit the paid labour force based on our recent infographics about caregivers in Alberta. Elise Stolte subsequently published a CBC News article on caregivers overwhelmed by competing demands, the impact of caregiving on paid employment, and the government and workplace policy options that would help.
Our partners at AGE-WELL and MyMatchWork.com helped to promote the article across their network and social media channels.AWCRP-2020-16 University of Alberta | KTEE - Knowledge Mobilization | 2022-02-22 | | | Family Day imagery neglects family caregivers' care work; it needs to be valuedFamily Day often evokes images of families enjoying the outdoors together, playing board games or sharing a meal. But these images neglect the hidden care that nearly eight million caregivers across Canada provide. The article highlights new research based on analysis of the 2018 General Social Survey that determined the economic value of caregiving in Canada ($97.1 billion to replace families' care work), the magnitude of caregivers' contributions to Canadian society, and the key components of the care economy.AWCRP-2020-16 University of Alberta | KTEE - Knowledge Mobilization | 2022-02-20 | | | Disability, Family Care, and Inclusive WorkplacesWork Family Research Network Conference in New York City, June 23-25, 2022
Discussion roundtable organized by Lisa Maureen Stewart, California State University, Monterey Bay; Claudia Sellmaier, University of Washington; Eileen M Brennan, Portland State University.
Recent research has examined the complex situation of workers affected by their disabilities, by providing care for family members having disabilities or health problems, and by seeking full inclusion in their workplaces. As we learn more about both the challenges and opportunities faced by these diverse workers, care responsibilities that affect their engagement in the workplace, and organizational practices that promote full inclusion, new questions arise that are crucial to discuss. Members of WFRN’s Networking Community on Disability, Work, and Family have identified compelling and current questions that need to be considered to better improve about those workers with disabilities or with exceptional care responsibilities, and the response of the organizations that employ them. We are proposing to conduct a roundtable discussion that will consider major questions being explored in current research studies which address the key areas of disability, family care, and workplace inclusion. Each member of our team of 10 discussants from Canada, Croatia, United Kingdom, and United States will identify questions based on their recent research findings. Our roundtable discussion also aims to influence future investigations, shape their emerging questions, and reveal policy issues that flow from current studies and need to be informed by new research. Areas to be discussed include: • What are the criteria for disclosure at work of information regarding the worker’s disability or a family member’s need for disability or special health care? • What community resources and adjustments are effective in assisting workers with disabilities or exceptional care responsibilities to maintain employment and their well-being? • How have COVID-19 and the associated shut-downs affected families with exceptional care responsibilities? • How can immigrant workers with disability concerns be supported as they simultaneously deal with work demands and family responsibilities? • Are there generational differences in the experiences of caregivers who have provided disability care to family members? • What cultural and identity differences affect the full inclusion of workers with disabilities, or who provide disability care, within their communities and workplaces? • What are the sources of inequity in the allocation of care work by gender, income, living arrangements, and generational cohort? • As employees strive for full inclusion within their workplaces, how can organizations better develop policies and practices that make it possible for those with disabilities or exceptional care responsibilities to reach full inclusion and more positive work-family spillover? • Which policy levers can be used to more fully integrate people with disabilities and/or exceptional care responsibilities into the workforce and deal with equity issues for those providing unpaid care? • What are the most pressing research issues needing further exploration to help workers with disabilities or exceptional care responsibilities achieve the work and family outcomes they most value? AWCRP-2020-16 University of Alberta | Scientific Excellence - Advancing Knowledge | 2022-06-23 | | | Valuing Family Caregivers: The Social and Personal ImperativeJanet Fast was part of an invited panel on the Alberta Association on Gerontology (AAG) Futures Policy Forum (sixth session) on Valuing Care and Family Caregivers. Speakers also included: Janet Badets from Statistics Canada, Dr. Richard Lewanczuk from Alberta Health Services, and Johnna Lowther from Caregivers Alberta. Dr. Sharon Anderson, co-developer of the Caregivers-Centred Care curriculum for health care practitioners, facilitated the session. Over 500 people registered for the session and 200 people participated in the webinar. Positive feedback was obtained on the knowledge gained and the flow of the presentations made by speakers.AWCRP-2020-16 University of Alberta | KTEE - Knowledge Mobilization | 2023-01-18 | | | Work and Care Advisory TeamJanet Fast has been invited to join Caregivers Alberta's newly formed Work and Care Advisory Team comprised of business representatives (HR managers and other relevant management), caregiver employees, and our research partners. Caregivers Alberta is developing an education program to support caregivers in the workplace as well as their employers. The research is crystal clear – the impact of caregiving is taking a toll on employees and affecting productivity. They want to offer a solution and would like our help to develop an evidence-based curriculum to help employers create carer-friendly environments for their employees. They are in the early stages of development. AWCRP-2020-16 University of Alberta | Scientific Excellence - Leadership | 2023-02-15 | | | Summit on the Aging Workforce keynote on Family Caregiving and EmploymentThe Edmonton Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with CPHR Alberta, proudly hosted the “Summit on the Aging Workforce” on Thursday, June 8, 2023, at the Westin Edmonton. Attracting and supporting a diverse workforce is key to the success of any business. With widespread labour and workforce talent shortages threatening growth and sustainability, many organizations are looking at their recruitment and retention strategies. Workers that are 55 years or older can help offset existing and future shortages, mentor younger workers while allowing older workers to earn income, save or invest for retirement, reduce social isolation, and stay connected to the broader society.
Janet was interviewed by conference organizers about her work, and she was invited to present at the Summit. Her keynote presentation focused on Family Caregiving and Employment.
AWCRP-2020-16 University of Alberta | Scientific Excellence - Leadership | 2023-06-08 | | | Health Economic Model & Demo of Team CarePalCindy Sim, CEO of Team CarePal hosted an information session and demonstration of their app Team CarePal. She said: "I would like to extend a heartfelt gratitude to Janet Fast for her outstanding research and dedicated focus on the economics of aging, as well as the unpaid care work and paid work of family members. Without trailblazers like her, Team CarePal would not have been able to offer such a comprehensive, evidence-based analysis of our main value drivers and the potential for health improvement and cost savings. This collaboration exemplifies how we can achieve remarkable feats when we work together towards a common goal."
AWCRP-2020-16 University of Alberta | Networking and Partnerships | 2023-04-14 | | | Embracing Carers in AlbertaSponsored by EMD Serono, a virtual panel discussion has been organized as part of their launch of Caregiver Concierge platform. Panel members include: Janet Fast (researcher, University of Alberta), Johnna Lowther (Director of Programs, Caregivers Alberta) and John-Peter Bradford, caregiver, cancer survivor, co-CEO and co-founder of the Life-Saving Therapies Network. The focus of the panel discussion is on the latest research and trends in caregiver wellbeing in Alberta, and available resources that can support the more than one million unpaid caregivers in this province. Jacquie Eales provided background context to the consultants and fact-checked and revised their discussion guide based on available evidence.AWCRP-2020-16 University of Alberta, Caregivers Alberta | KTEE - Knowledge Mobilization | 2023-06-14 | | | Integrating paid work and unpaid care workSponsored by the Vanier Institute of the Family, we submitted an invited abstract for a panel discussion to the Work Family Researchers Network conference in Montreal in June 2024.
Abstract
All of us will experience caring for family members, friends and neighbours, as givers or receivers of care, at some time in our lives. Positive and negative implications of taking on care responsibilities are well-documented with a focus in the academic literature, as well as policy and practice, on negative social, health, employment and financial consequences. Child care has been the subject of extensive research, and of substantial innovation in Human Resource (HR) practice and public policy, over many decades. While caring for dependent adults (caregiving) has attracted much less
attention, a growing body of evidence shows it to be no less impactful for families, society and the economy. Yet, it often is assumed to be “free”, a “labour of love” and a private family matter, much as child care was 50 years ago. In this session we share evidence about the recent history of family caregiving in Canada, focusing on employed caregivers, and emerging policy and practice to support employed caregivers. Fast reports on changes in the experiences of family caregivers in Canada, focusing on their need and ability to integrate paid work with unpaid care work, over the last decade. Magnaye shares findings from his conversations about the unique experiences of transnational employed caregivers. Gregory describes efforts of caregiver-serving NGOs to build caregiver-friendly policies and practices. Kovacic (to be confirmed) addresses how HR professionals can nurture a culture that values professional and caregiving responsibilities in the workplace. Tremblay will comment on data and program gaps in support of employed caregiver well-being.AWCRP-2020-16 University of Alberta, Caregivers Alberta | Scientific Excellence - Advancing Knowledge | 2023-11-15 | | | A taxonomy of the economic costs of family care to adultsA systematic scoping review was conducted to evaluate the current state of knowledge of the economic costs incurred by family caregivers to adults with long-term health problems or disabilities. A narrative synthesis of 126 articles published since 1999 was undertaken to develop a taxonomy of the economic costs experienced by these caregivers. Three broad domains of sources of economic costs for caregivers were identified: employment consequences, out-of-pocket expenses and caregiving labor, with sub-categories within each domain. Economic outcomes were identified for each cost domain. Generation of new knowledge across the three cost domains has been uneven, with disproportionate interest in employment consequences. There are knowledge and methods gaps around all of the domains of care arising from failure to measure, or measure consistently, the costs; failure to account for contexts within which care is delivered; and lack of consistency in specifying care thresholds influencing labor force exit and employment consequences. An expanded research agenda on costs of family care should address cumulative and cross-domain care costs. Links between economic and social and health costs are fertile ground for a comprehensive understanding of the full costs of family care.2.4 ATforCC University of Alberta | Scientific Excellence - Advancing Knowledge | 2014-10-15 | | | Economics of family caregiving to persons with dementiaInvited presentation to the Provincial/Territorial pre-conference symposium on Dementia, Calgary, AB.2.4 ATforCC University of Alberta | Scientific Excellence - Leadership | 2015-10-23 | | | Caregivers need some care themselvesOp Ed article published in the Vancouver Sun on November 23, 2016: http://vancouversun.com/opinion/opinion-caregivers-need-some-care-themselves?ct=t%28December+2016+news_2016-12-09%29&mc_cid=dbf9da42e8&mc_eid=%5BUNIQID%5D 2.4 ATforCC, 2.6-CAT1 CWiC Vanier Institute of the Family, University of Alberta | KTEE - Knowledge Mobilization | 2016-11-23 | | | The availability and use of flexible work arrangements and caregiving leaves: Lessons learned about policies and practicePaper submitted to the Journal of Law and Equity. This paper was based in part on presentations made at the Law, Work and Family Care Symposium held Feb 17-18, 2017 at York University. The symposium was co-sponsored by Queen’s University’s Centre for Law in the Contemporary Workplace, the Comparative Research in Law and Political Economy (CLPE) Forum (Osgoode Hall Law School), and the Women’s Legal Education and Action Fund (LEAF).2.6-CAT1 CWiC University of Guelph, University of Alberta | Scientific Excellence - Advancing Knowledge | 2018-02-28 | | | Designing Technology that Cares: Caregivers' Experiences Drive the Design Process (Infographic)This infographic was developed following the DATcares trans-disciplinary workshop that was held in Waterloo Ontario in June 2017 as a joint WP2 and WP3 initiative.
2.4 ATforCC, DATcares University of Alberta, University of Waterloo | KTEE - Knowledge Mobilization | 2018-04-03 | | | Designing Technology that Cares: Caregivers' Experiences Drive the Design Process (Research Brief)This research brief was developed following the DATcares trans-disciplinary workshop that was held in Waterloo Ontario in June 2017 as a joint WP2 and WP3 initiative.
URL: 2.4 ATforCC, DATcares University of Alberta, University of Waterloo | KTEE - Knowledge Mobilization | 2018-04-03 | | | Recognizing carers in Canada and understanding their barriers to technology adoptionWorking on behalf of WP2, Jacquie Eales and Janet Fast, with input from Louise Demers and Michelle Plante, wrote a blog post for the APPTA web site. The blog was prepared for and posted on April 2, 2019 to recognize National Carers Day in Canada and highlight the collective work of WP2 (and DATCares) in understanding and addressing carers' barriers to technology adoption.2.1 INToCARE, 2.2 MovIT-PLUS, 2.3 CARE-RATE, 2.4 ATforCC, DATcares, AWCRP-2020-17 University of Alberta, Université de Montréal, Centre de recherche de l'Institut universitaire de gériatrie de Montréal, University of Montreal | KTEE - Knowledge Mobilization | 2019-04-02 | | | How can we sustain family caregivers' capacity to care? What caregivers need and how technology can help provide itA blog post was published to accompany a BMC Geriatrics article. The two were published in tandem on February 27, 2020. Our partners across Canada helped promote the blog post by sharing on their social media. Partners involved included Caregivers Alberta, Caregivers Nova Scotia, HUDDOL, Government of Alberta Caregivers Working Group,2.4 ATforCC University of Alberta | KTEE - Knowledge Mobilization | 2020-02-27 | | | Life course trajectories of family care: Implications for care policyWe wrote a one-page Research Policy Snapshot for the Canadian Research Data Centre Network (CRDCN) based on findings from analyzing the 2012 General Social Survey on Caregiving and Care Receiving and the policy implications of this research. The Research Policy Snapshot was a new initiative of the CRDCN to facilitate knowledge mobilization to policy analysts. We worked iteratively with CRDCN over several months on this new initiative as they developed a template. Our research policy snapshot and supplementary information was included in the inaugural digest, volume 1, number 1 in January 2022.
Karolina Jalowska retweeted the post on AGE-WELL's Twitter and LinkedIn accounts.
https://crdcn.ca/app/uploads/2022/01/Life-course-trajectories-of-family-care-Implications-for-care-policy-Jan-2022.pdf2.4 ATforCC, AWCRP-2020-16 University of Alberta | KTEE - Knowledge Mobilization | 2022-01-31 | | | Balancing work and care: strategies for meaningful employmentApril 5 is National Caregiver Day when we recognize the nearly 8 million Canadians who care for family and friends who have chronic health conditions, disabilities or functional limitations. Combining care work and paid work is the norm for many employed Canadians, with caregivers making up 30-35% of the paid workforce. Join a catalytic conversation with our panelists to discuss the challenges of balancing paid work and unpaid caregiving responsibilities, the marketable ‘soft’ skills that caregivers acquire as part of their care journey, and how employers can benefit from and better support caregivers in the workplace.
The webinar covered:
● Challenges of balancing paid work and unpaid care responsibilities What’s working and what’s not?
● Ways to support caregivers in the workplace: technology, policies, and practices.
Panelists:
● Wendy Moyle, employed caregiver and owner of Wendy’s Errands for Elders
● Janet Fast, Professor, Department of Human Ecology, University of Alberta and AGE-WELL researcher
● Kenya Kondo, Co-founder, MyMatchWork.com
● Frank Monteleone, Chief People Officer & President, Rexall Care Network
Moderator:
● Jacquie Eales, Research Manager, Research on Aging, Policies and Practice (RAPP), University of Alberta
Sponsors:
● AGE-WELL NCE
● Canadian Home Care Association / Carers Canada
● University of Alberta, Research on Aging, Policies and Practice
The webinar was recorded and will be posted on the AGE-WELL You Tube Channel and Carers Canada's website.
AWCRP-2020-16 University of Alberta | KTEE - Knowledge Mobilization | 2022-04-13 | | | Technology's impact 'mixed' for unpaid caregiversArticle in Folio, a University of Alberta online publication, March 28, 2018. Technology can be helpful to people caring for loved ones, but it can also be complicated and costly—something UAlberta researchers want to remedy by consulting caregivers on what they need.2.4 ATforCC, 2.11-SIP A1 University of Alberta | KTEE - Knowledge Mobilization | 2018-03-28 | | | The Interplay of Risk Factors Associated with Negative Outcomes among Family Caregivers: A Synthesis of the LiteratureThe purpose of this project was to summarize existing knowledge on the risk factors associated with negative outcomes for family and friend caregivers, and to identify knowledge gaps and policy-relevant research questions. The literature reviewed includes Canadian and international research based on large national surveys and in-depth studies of specific samples of caregivers and their experiences. The emphasis is on material published since 2000.
Different risk factors are more salient for different outcomes and populations of caregivers/care recipients. Moreover, it is important to consider the longer-term consequences of caregiving, as well as those that are more immediate to a particular experience or particular care recipient at one point in time. Given both the complexity of the issues and significant knowledge gaps stemming from the lack of data that includes the caregiving context and impacts over time, we have focused on clearly identifying the potential costs (outcomes) that caregivers may experience and the risk factors that are evident in the literature. The review includes examples of the interplay among these risk factors for several different situations including care for seniors with and without cognitive impairment, care for children with disabilities, care for a family member with a mental illness, and (to a lesser extent) care for non-senior adults.
Multiple factors, operating together, affect the nature and intensity of caregiving, and the degree to which caregiving demands become stressors or stressful for caregivers. High caregiving costs result when caregiving demands exceed caregivers’ resources. Exacerbating factors include lack of support from family, friends and formal/professional caregivers, limited personal or family financial resources, high financial costs, stigma, and caregiving of long duration and/or with an uncertain or unpredictable trajectory. Employment-related costs that result in exclusion from or only a marginal attachment to the labour force are most evident for caregivers (notably women) with significant long-term care responsibilities that begin in the early stages of their earning career.
Resources are low for certain caregivers and caregiving situations. These include caregivers with health problems, limited income and savings, and compromised capacities for sustaining fulltime employment. High caregiving demands also increase risk. Especially relevant are increasingly complex care demands for individuals with health conditions or medical problems that require intensive involvement on the part of caregivers; care for individuals with dementia, serious mental illness, deteriorating functional capabilities and problematic behaviours; and long-term, intense caregiving. The gendered impacts of caregiving are also highly visible in the research, and should not be ignored. University of Guelph, University of Alberta | Scientific Excellence - Advancing Knowledge | 2007-01-01 | | | From ‘Needs’ to ‘Goals’: Evolving the User Centered Design process for technology supporting family caregiversIn this paper we describe adjustments to a particular software design process aimed at developing technology to support family caregivers. Our case study focuses on the co-design of a smartphone application to assist caregivers in managing and coping with the work of caring for older adults. We use the specifics of this case study to shed light on the technology development benefits of framing user-centered design (UCD) through caregivers’ goals rather than their needs. We show how this re-framing of the co-design process away from a deficit, or needs-based approach and towards a strength, or goal-oriented approach is central to developing technologies that caregivers are more likely to commit time and resources to learning and integrating into their lives.2.1 INToCARE, 2.4 ATforCC, 2.9-CAT, 2.11-SIP A1 University of Leicester, Johns Hopkins Medicine, University of Calgary, University of Alberta, University of British Columbia | Scientific Excellence - Advancing Knowledge | 2018-07-31 | | | Towards sustainable family care: Using goals to re-frame the user-centred design of technologies to support carersTechnology has been identified as an important strategy in making caring sustainable. This article takes the design process for carer support technology as a lens on the divergent definitions that are in play when governments, technology developers and carers contemplate ‘sustainability’. We argue that a central impediment to finding a productive point of overlap among the three perspectives is a predominant focus on carers’ needs. We contrast this needs-based approach, and its focus on doing the tasks of care, with a goal-oriented approach focused on being in relationships. Reframing the conversation around goals is important to achieving truly sustainable caring.2.1 INToCARE, 2.4 ATforCC, 2.9-CAT University of Leicester, Johns Hopkins Medicine, University of Calgary, University of Alberta, University of British Columbia | Scientific Excellence - Advancing Knowledge | 2019-08-19 | | | Caregiving can last for decades, new research showsUnderstanding different lifetime patterns of caregiving can inform supportive policies to help people cope, say UofA researchers.
The article was intended to promote a new study published in Aging and Society.2.4 ATforCC University of Alberta | KTEE - Knowledge Mobilization | 2020-09-14 | | | Enhancing the Employability of Older WorkersAs part of AgeTech Innovation Week, we organized a catalytic conversation on enhancing the employability of older workers featuring four panel members: Roger Marple (AW Older Adults and Caregivers Advisory Committee), Kenya Kondo (co-founder of MyMatchWork.com), Laura Tamblyn Watts (CEO, CanAge) and Janet Fast (Professor, University of Alberta and AW researcher). Jacquie Eales co-developed the guiding script based on interviews with panel members, and she moderated the discussion. Panelists discussed how to help people who experience challenges to work: by redressing misconceptions, by co-developing technology solutions, and by advocating for better workplace and public policies.
The recording was posted to the AW YouTube Channel and subsequently offered by MyMatchWork.com as an Age-Tech Webinar, thereby maximizing impact.AWCRP-2020-16 University of Alberta, Other, CanAge | KTEE - Knowledge Mobilization | 2021-10-05 | | | "Something's gotta give": Juggling care work and paid work in mid-lifeKym Schreiner from Alberta Seniors and Housing invited us to host a roundtable discussion for Healthy Aging CORE (Collaborative Online Resources & Education) network. CORE Caregivers connects community-based senior serving professionals, volunteers, and allied partners from all across Alberta who encounter caregivers in their work with resources and support in addition to education and collaboration opportunities. The focus of the roundtable discussion was planned with Kym and other community partners from Caregivers Alberta, Carya Calgary and Dementia Network Calgary.
ABSTRACT: Research shows that mid-life caregivers (age 50+) who provide care to family or friends face challenges remaining in or returning to the labour force. What is the research revealing, what kinds of challenges arise for those juggling care work and paid work, and what kinds of resources need to be available to support them? The roundtable discussion featured: Wendy Moyle (employed caregiver and Board member of Caregivers Alberta); Kenya Kondo (Co-founder of MatchWork, industry partner), Janet Fast (AW researcher), Jacquie Eales (KM specialist) and moderated by Angus Mcdonell (Caregivers Alberta, Stakeholder Relations).
Participants commented that the discussion was thought-provoking and enlightening! Government partners hope to forward a number of our ideas within their policy world.
A recording of the roundtable discussion is available here: https://corealberta.ca/resources/recording-somethings-gotta-give-juggling-care-work-and-paid-work-mid-life-event
MyMatchWork.com promoted the recording across their network on April 7, 2022.AWCRP-2020-16 Government of Alberta, University of Alberta, Other, Caregivers Alberta | KTEE - Knowledge Mobilization | 2022-02-22 | | | Understanding the caring capacity of informal networks of frail seniors: A case for care networksPopulation ageing and constraints on public sector spending for older people with long-term health problems have led policy makers to turn to the social networks of older people, or the ‘informal sector’, as a source of long-term care. An important question arising from this policy shift is whether these social networks have the resources to sustain the high levels of care that can be required by older people with chronic health problems. In the face of both dire warnings about the imminent demise of the informal sector, and concurrent expectations that it will be the pillar of community long-term care, it is timely to undertake a critical analysis of the caring capacity of older people's social networks. In this paper we argue that the best way to understand the caring capacity of informal networks of frail older people is to establish their membership and caring capacity. It is useful to make conceptual distinctions between ‘social’, ‘support’, and ‘care-giving’ networks. We argue that transitions of networks from social through support to care roles are likely to show systematic patterns, and that at each transition the networks tend to contract as the more narrowly defined functions prevail. A focus on ‘care networks’, rather than the more usual ‘care dyads’, will move forward our understanding of the caring capacity of the informal sector, and also our ability to forge sound social and health policies to support those who provide care. University of Alberta | Scientific Excellence - Advancing Knowledge | 2003-01-01 | | | Precedent-based Research: A Step towards Innovating Assistive Technologies to Support Aging Well2.4 ATforCC University of Alberta | Scientific Excellence - Leadership | 2015-10-25 | | | AGE-WELL – WP 2.1 INToCARE Poster presented by Michelle Plante at the 2015 Annual Conference and Annual General Meeting.2.1 INToCARE, 2.4 ATforCC University of British Columbia, Université Laval, Université de Montréal, University of Alberta, Centre de recherche de l'Institut universitaire de gériatrie de Montréal, University of Montreal | Scientific Excellence - Advancing Knowledge | 2015-10-23 | | | Precedent-based research for Assistive Technologies (AT): Introducing Innova, a digital application and database to analyze existing products and services for older adultsThis article reports on the interdisciplinary design and development of a digital application and database that serves to collect and analyze assistive technologies (AT) currently available to family/friend caregivers who provide unpaid care to older adults in Canada. AT devices/services currently on the market serve as precedents in the sense that they can inform the design of new AT devices/services that suit the needs of caregivers. As such, the devices/services become a kind of 'materialized design knowledge' that is a significant kit of information that acts as sources of inspiration for designers. The general aim of this project is to pool and examine information about AT precedents that support caregivers and care recipients in a variety of domains of daily life - health, daily living, safety, entertainment and mobility so that designers, innovators, researchers and a variety of other stakeholders can improve existing AT devices/services and create new AT devices/services that suit caregivers' needs. The tool and database reported in this paper consists of a smart phone/tablet application and a web site which contains a user-centred survey, application interface, and feedback features. The details of the surveys and feedback features provides in-depth information including material and immaterial AT device and service attributes that will inform future innovation and design of AT devices/services for caregivers. This presentation will provide an in-depth account of the rationale, design/development, and design implementation of the digital tool and database of AT devices/services for older adults.2.4 ATforCC University of Alberta | Scientific Excellence - Leadership | 2017-03-02 | | | Life course trajectories of family careMore than 30 years ago, Elder (1985) theorized multiple life course trajectories in domains such as family and work, punctuated by transitions that create the structure and rhythm of individual lives. We argue that in the context of population ageing, family care should be added as a life course domain. We conceptualise life courses of family care with core elements of ‘care as doing’ and ‘care as being in relationship’, creating hypothetical family care trajectories to illustrate diversity of life course patterns of care. The framework provides a basis for considering influences of care on cumulative advantage/disadvantage for family carers.
As of February 25, 2020 the article has had nearly 2500 abstract views and 400 full text downloads. It was picked up by 5 news outlets and tweeted by 28.
The article was also named one of the top 5 articles published in 2019 in the International Journal of Care and Caring!2.4 ATforCC University of Alberta | Scientific Excellence - Advancing Knowledge | 2019-04-13 | | | Seeking resilience: the care capacity goals of family carers and the role of technology in achieving themAbstract
Background
As global populations age, governments have come to rely heavily on family carers (FCs) to care
for older adults and reduce the demands made of formal health and social care systems. Under
increasing pressure, FCs’ resilience and the sustainability of their unpaid care work have become
pressing issues. Using qualitative data, this paper explores FCs’ care-related work goals, and
describes how those goals do, or do not, link to technology and the idea of resilience.
Methods
We employed a sequential mixed-method approach using focus groups followed by an online
survey about FCs’ goals. We held 10 focus groups and recruited 25 FCs through a mix of
convenience and snowball sampling strategies. Carer organizations helped recruit 599 FCs from
across Canada to complete an online survey. Participants’ responses to an open-ended question
in the survey were included in our qualitative analysis. An inductive approach was employed
using qualitative thematic content analysis methods to examine and interpret the resulting data.
We used NVIVO 12 software for data analysis.
Results
We identified two care quality improvement goals of FCs providing care to older adults:
enhancing and safeguarding their caregiving capacity. To enhance their capacity to care, FCs
sought: 1) foreknowledge about their care recipients’ changing condition, and 2) improved
navigation of existing support systems. To safeguard their own wellbeing, and so to preserve
their capacity to care, FCs sought to develop coping strategies as well as opportunities for
mentorship and socialization.
Conclusions
We conclude that a paradigm shift is needed to reframe caregiving from a current deficit frame
focused on failures and limitations (burden of care) towards a more empowering frame
(sustainability and resiliency). The fact that FCs are seeking strategies to enhance and safeguard
their capacities to provide care means they are approaching their unpaid care work from the
perspective of resilience. Their goals and technology suggestions imply a shift from
understanding care as a source of ‘burden’ towards a more ‘resilient’ and ‘sustainable’ model of
caregiving. Our case study findings show that technology can assist in fostering this resiliency
but that it may well be limited to the role of an intermediary that connects FCs to information,
supports and peers.2.4 ATforCC, 2.9-CAT, 2.11-SIP A1 University of Leicester, Johns Hopkins Medicine, University of Calgary, University of Alberta | Scientific Excellence - Advancing Knowledge | 2019-10-31 | | | Working Overtime: Career vs CareVideo produced in collaboration with Kim Chapman, a caregiver from Calgary AB whose 58 year old husband has Fronto-Temporal Degeneration, and members of WP2.4 and 2.9. This is the first of three videos co-created with Kim about how caregiving impacts her ability to participate in the paid labour force.2.4 ATforCC, 2.9-CAT University of Alberta, University of Leicester, Johns Hopkins Medicine, University of Calgary | Product | 2019-09-03 | | | Caregiving's ripple effect on relationshipsVideo produced in collaboration with Kim Chapman, a caregiver from Calgary AB whose 58 year old husband has Fronto-Temporal Degeneration, and members of WP2.4 and 2.9. Mark Stolow also reviewed and commented on this video. This is the second of three videos co-created with Kim about how caregiving impacts her relationships with other people.2.4 ATforCC, 2.9-CAT University of Alberta, University of Leicester, Johns Hopkins Medicine, University of Calgary, HUDDOL | Product | 2019-09-03 | | | The care capacity goals of family carers and the role of technology in achieving themAs global populations age, governments have come to rely heavily on family carers (FCs) to care for older adults and reduce the demands made of formal health and social care systems. Under increasing pressure, sustainability of FC’s unpaid care work has become a pressing issue. Using qualitative data, this paper explores FCs’ care-related work goals, and describes how those goals do, or do not, link to technology.
The article is open access.2.4 ATforCC, 2.9-CAT University of Leicester, Johns Hopkins Medicine, University of Calgary, University of Alberta | Scientific Excellence - Advancing Knowledge | 2020-02-27 | | | International Journal of Care and Caring top 5 most read articles in 2019Our article was among the top five most read in the 2019 volume of International Journal of Care and Caring
Life course trajectories of family care [Open Access]
Authors: Norah Keating, Jacquie Eales, Laura Funk, Janet Fast and Joohong Min
https://doi.org/10.1332/239788219X154730793193092.4 ATforCC University of Alberta | Scientific Excellence - Leadership | 2020-02-04 | | | ‘Innova’ digital application and database for designers to innovate for carersStrickfaden, M., Fiorentino, C., Martin, M., Eales, J. & Fast, J. (2020). ‘Innova’ digital application and database for designers to innovate for carers. In P. Langdon, J. Lazar, A. Heylighen & H. Dong (eds), Designing for Inclusion: Inclusive Design; Looking towards the future (pp 35-46). Geneva, Switzerland: Springer Nature.2.4 ATforCC University of Alberta | Scientific Excellence - Advancing Knowledge | 2020-05-01 | | | WP2 Promotional VideosSPECIAL WP2 PROJECT -
Alex Pysklywec is an experienced research assistant who worked with WP2 Core Project Leads as well as some of the short term project researchers to produce promotional videos representing the ongoing work of WP2. A total of 7 videos were made highlighting both the core projects, the nature of family caregiving, and 2 short term projects.
The work was completed by December 2017.
Louise Demers, one of the WP2 leads, oversaw and supported the project.
2.1 INToCARE, 2.2 MovIT-PLUS, 2.3 CARE-RATE, 2.4 ATforCC, 2.5-S1 PCOACH, 2.6-CAT1 CWiC Université de Montréal, University of British Columbia, Université Laval, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Toronto Rehab Institute, University Health Network, University of Waterloo, University of Alberta, Toronto Rehab Institute/University Health Network | KTEE - Knowledge Mobilization | 2017-12-01 | Louise Demers, Alex Pysklywec, Ben Mortenson, Francois Routhier, Claudine Auger, Sara Ahmed, Jan Polgar, Frank Rudzicz, Jennifer Boger, Janet Fast, Jacquie Eales, Tilak Dutta, Andrew Magnaye |
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