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Preventative Health Issues
Dementia
Dementia Care in Canada – Fact-Based Summary
Current Situation
• 597,300 people live with dementia
• 124,000 new cases/year (10,333/month, 348/day, 15/hour)
Future Projections
• By 2030: ~1 million people; 187,000 new cases/year (512/day, 21/hour)
• By 2050: 1.7+ million people; 250,000+ new cases/year (685/day, 29/hour)
Living Situation
• Most people live at home
• 69% (<80) and 58% (80+) live outside long-term care
Health & Care Needs
• 1 in 4: need help with daily activities, behavior changes, depression, hospital visits
• 1 in 5: emergency room visits every 3 months
Care Partners
• 58% are adult children
• 32% are spouses
• Majority are women
Care Tasks
• Household chores, shopping, meals, transportation
• Medical appointments, finances, medications, communication
• Personal care: bathing, dressing, grooming, eating
• Mobility, toileting, managing incontinence
Impact on Caregivers
• Often middle-aged women balancing work and family
• High stress, burnout, and health issues
Economic Impact
• 470 million care hours (2020)
• Equivalent to 235,000 full-time jobs
• Value: $7.3 billion
Future Demand
• 1+ million caregivers needed by 2050
• Nearly tripling demand
• ~$1.4 billion unpaid care annually
Demographics
• Asian Canadians: 8% (2020) ® 24% (2050)
• 1 in 4 future dementia cases
Dementia Care in Canada – Summary
Growing Issue
• Dementia is rapidly increasing in Canada
• Over 597,000 people currently live with dementia
• Expected to exceed 1.7 million by 2050
• New cases are diagnosed frequently
• Represents a major and growing public health challenge
Care Happens at Home
• Most individuals with dementia live at home, not in care facilities
• Care is primarily provided by family and friends
• Much of this care is unpaid
Role of Care Partners
• Assist with daily tasks such as cooking, shopping, and transportation
• Help manage medical appointments and finances
• Provide personal care including bathing, dressing, eating, and mobility support
Impact on Caregivers
• Caregiving is physically and emotionally demanding
• Often leads to stress, burnout, and health issues
• Many caregivers are middle-aged women balancing work and family
Economic Value
• In 2020, 470 million hours of care were provided
• Estimated value of unpaid care: $7.3 billion
• Caregivers play a critical role in the healthcare system
Future Demand
• Over 1 million caregivers will be needed by 2050
• Increasing pressure on families and healthcare systems
Key Takeaway
• Dementia is a growing national challenge
• Relies heavily on unpaid caregivers
• Demand for support, resources, and sustainable care solutions will continue to rise
