Survey for Caregivers Aged 50 and Over

There are more and more informal caregivers (PPA) in Quebec. Their increase between 2012 and 2018, according to data from the "General Social Survey - Care Given and Received," was significant, around 32%. The available data paint a typical portrait of a Quebec caregiver: (a) she is a woman, (b) aged between 50-55 years, (c) who devotes at least 3 hours of her time per week, on a regular basis, (d) to caring for an elderly parent. To this date, there is no reliable data on the health status-whether mental, physical, or social-of caregivers in Quebec. Yet this information is crucial because it affects the ability of caregivers to fulfill their role and, consequently, the stable health of the individuals they care for, allowing them to continue living at home. This situation exposes caregivers to a decline in their own health, and by extension, the health of those they care for. The fact that the typical Quebec caregiver is 50 years old or older increases the risk of health deterioration within the caregiver-care receiver pair. Indeed, age 50 is when the effects of physiological and pathological aging begin to impact the physical capacities of the elderly. Developing new practices that focus on the health characteristics of both caregivers and care receivers, in order to prevent health deterioration, is therefore a crucial step in supporting caregivers in their role and ensuring that care receivers can stay at home in good conditions for as long as possible.

The issue of caregivers' health is still under-addressed in Quebec, both in the scientific literature and in population surveys. It seems that caregivers need a comprehensive evaluation of their health status (physical, mental, and social), given the significant impact caregiving has on their health. Research conducted within the Living Lab, led by Dr. Beauchet's team, has helped develop tools and questionnaires that effectively assess the frailty of individuals aged 50 and over and produce reports that raise awareness about their health status, enabling them to implement future care solutions that meet their needs.

The overall objective is to assess the health status (mental, physical, social) of caregivers aged 50 and over, living in Quebec-through self-assessment to make them aware of their actual health condition and engage them in a process of self-care.