We would like to be reimbursed for the direct costs of caregiving. There are many costs to providing care at home. These include medicine, supplies, home renovations, private nursing services, and special food and equipment. These should be covered through government assistance. These direct costs should also be considered when income is used to decide whether or not we are eligible for government programs.
Caregivers are concerned about financial security.
Basic financial security is an issue for many of us. Because of the time we spend providing care, most of us are unable to hold regular jobs. We would like more realistic income tax credits and an involvement in the Canada Pension Plan. To represent the diversity of rural Nova Scotia, caregivers from the Black, Aboriginal, and Acadian cultures as well as women with a range of incomes participated in this research project. Although men were invited to participate, none did so.