New StatCan report highlights inadequate support for people with disabilities

This week, Statistics Canada released the results of their crowdsourced study on the lived experiences of Canadians (and their families and caregivers) affected by life-limiting illnesses. They found that a majority of people with life-limiting illnesses have unpaid caregivers, nearly half have trouble navigating the healthcare system, and most caregivers don’t receive adequate support. You can read the full report here.

The results echo PHA Canada’s own Burden of Illness surveys, the most recent of which detailed the profound effects on employment for people with pulmonary arterial hypertension and their caregivers. Our 2021 survey examined healthcare system issues that cause delays in diagnosis and gaps in treatment.

While we are pleased that our findings are consistent with those of Statistics Canada, we are disappointed that patients, families, and caregivers continue to face inadequate access to care and support. These findings reaffirm the urgent need for systemic change, and we remain committed to advocating for policies and programs that ensure patients, families, and caregivers receive timely, comprehensive care and the support they need and deserve.