Counselling sessions, workload management training, yoga classes available to front-line staff
Alberta is tripling its previous funding commitment to support the mental health of continuing care workers.
The provincial government is investing $7.5 million to enhance wellness resources for front-line staff across the province.
“Continuing care staff show up day after day to support Albertans in some of their most vulnerable moments,” said Jason Nixon, Minister of Assisted Living and Social Services. “With this investment, we’re making sure continuing care workers have support, too – we see you, we value you, and we’re here to support you.”
Overall, 47 per cent of Canadians identify as caregivers—whether parenting young children, caring for elderly relatives, or supporting individuals with special needs—according to Mental Health Research Canada (MHRC). These individuals experience significantly higher rates of burnout (31 per cent versus 23 per cent among non-caregivers), financial stress (40 per cent versus 34 per cent), and increased demand for mental health support compared with their non-caregiving counterparts.
Counselling, training for mental health
The $7.5 million will be distributed through the Alberta Continuing Care Association’s (ACCA) Care for Staff initiative, which was first launched in 2023 with a $2.5-million investment. The program offers supports such as counselling sessions, workload management training, and yoga classes, all selected in consultation with front-line staff. In the past year, Care for Staff provided assistance to more than 12,000 workers in 126 organisations across Alberta.
More than half of Canadians say workload is increasing—without a bump in pay, according to a previous report.
According to the Alberta government, the ACCA is working with the Christian Health Association of Alberta, the Alberta Seniors and Community Housing Association, and the Continuing Care Safety Association to distribute the grant and ensure that wellness resources are widely available.
The government notes that a positive, mental health-conscious work environment benefits staff through more inclusive workplaces and better work-life balance, while operators see improved retention and reduced absenteeism. Clients also benefit from compassionate, high-quality care.
Alberta’s senior population is expected to reach 20 per cent in the next two decades, and the government is looking to address the challenges of an ageing demographic by investing in the well-being of those who provide essential care.
How do you provide support to a caregiver?
Here are some caregiver-friendly policies employers put in place to help caregivers in the workplace, according to WebMD:
- Offer flexible schedules.
- Encourage remote working.
- Allow time during the workday for self-care.
- Build in Employee Resource Groups.
- Expand mental health benefits for caregivers.
- Offer additional time off
- Provide financial support.
