This issue will increase dramatically over the next 20 years as the baby boom generation creates an increasing number of parents and adult children reaching an age where their families need enhanced government support. The efforts of these same families over the years have meant that millions of government dollars were not expended and could be used to support others. OACL believes the government must recognize this contribution and provide these families with the assurance and support they now need. We must all realize that we do not have time to wait before addressing this issue. Action must be taken immediately.
Every day there are more and more families in potential crisis.
The Toronto Association knows of more than 150 families in which senior parents, mostly in their late 70s or 80s, are still caring for their adult children at home. Soon they will not longer be able to provide care, and at this moment, there is no alternative. As one woman said, If I die first, my son has no place to go. These are parents who feel the inequity of the current situation. They did not place their children in institutions.