Ontario caregivers are using emergency rooms to find respite

A report finds nearly 2 million Ontario caregivers took care recipients to emergency rooms last year, and about one in five of those caregivers reported doing so mainly to get a break.

A recent report finds many Ontario caregivers turned to hospital emergency rooms when they needed a break from caregiving duties. The study, Spotlight on Ontario Caregivers, reports that nearly one in five caregivers used the ER in this way, contributing to roughly 1.9 million visits last year. The Ontario Caregiver Organization (OCO) says caregivers do this not because it is their first choice but because they feel they have no other option in the moment. OCO leaders also note the health system cost implications of those visits. Key facts: - The report estimates about 1.9 million emergency room visits last year involved caregivers taking a care recipient to the ER largely to get respite. - Nearly one in five caregivers reported using the ER primarily because they needed a break, according to the Spotlight on Ontario Caregivers report. - The OCO estimated those visits translate into roughly $650 million in costs to the health system. - The Ontario Caregiver Organization operates a free 24/7 hotline and says it is working with health system partners to expand ER diversion strategies and other supports for caregivers. Summary: The report points to caregiver burnout and fatigue as a factor driving substantial emergency department use and added system costs. The Ontario Caregiver Organization is raising awareness, working with partners to expand diversion strategies, and offering ongoing programs and a 24/7 hotline as part of its response.