Almost One-Quarter of Canadian Seniors Are Caregivers

Christine MacPherson • November 26, 2020

While older Canadians may be more likely than their younger counterparts to require help and care in their daily lives, almost one-quarter of Canadian seniors aged 65 years and older are caregivers themselves. And while the roles and responsibilities of these senior caregivers may have changed in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, the challenges they face could be heightened.

Although the pandemic has affected the lives of all Canadians, seniors have been identified as a population particularly vulnerable to COVID-19. Not only are seniors more at risk of severe illness, they are also more affected by isolation measures. As a result, many senior caregivers who help people living outside of their household may not have been able to provide the same level of care that they usually do. Senior caregivers providing help to their spouse may also have seen their burden of care increase, given the possible lack of other support during the pandemic. For example, older caregivers who are usually supported by their adult children to provide help and care for their spouses, may have had to perform additional activities and provide more hours of care than usual. While the data in the current study were collected prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, the results highlight the many challenges senior caregivers already faced.

A new study, "The experiences and needs of older caregivers in Canada," uses data from the 2018 General Social Survey on Caregiving and Care Receiving to provide a profile of senior caregivers in Canada. Senior caregivers are those who have provided help or care to a spouse, another family member, or a friend with a long-term health condition, a physical or mental disability, or problems related to aging.

Senior caregivers are likely to continue to play an important role in the years to come. As the needs for care and help increase with an aging population, smaller families and geographic mobility among Canadians may reduce the supply of potential younger family caregivers. Within this context, many older Canadians may be relied upon to become care providers, even though they may develop health issues of their own, including age-related physical and cognitive declines, chronic illness and some level of disability.

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Christine MacPherson

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Best Mortgage Strategies for 2026 in Edmonton and area.

By Christine MacPherson • February 23, 2026

The biggest question I am getting right now from buyers in Edmonton and area is simple. Should I lock in my rate or go variable in 2026? With rate changes over the past two years and renewed speculation about what the Bank of Canada will do next, choosing between fixed and variable is no longer a simple decision. The right strategy depends on your goals, risk tolerance, and timeline. Let me break it down clearly so you can decide what makes sense for you. Where Mortgage Rates Stand in 2026 After a volatile cycle of increases followed by gradual easing, 2026 has introduced more stability into the mortgage market. Fixed rates have adjusted downward from peak levels, while variable rates have started to look competitive again as expectations grow around future Bank of Canada rate cuts. Here is the key difference: Fixed rate mortgage: Your interest rate stays the same for your full term. Your payments stay predictable. Variable rate mortgage: Your rate moves with the prime rate. Payments or interest portion may change depending on your lender structure. Buyers in Edmonton are asking whether stability is worth paying slightly more today, or if flexibility and potential savings are worth some short term uncertainty. When Locking In Makes Sense in 2026 There are situations where a fixed rate mortgage is the smarter move. You Want Payment Stability If you are buying your first home or stretching your budget, stability matters. A fixed rate protects you from surprises and allows you to plan with confidence. You Believe Rates Could Rise Again While forecasts suggest moderate easing, inflation and global economic uncertainty still exist. If rates rise unexpectedly, fixed rate borrowers are protected. You Prefer Peace of Mind Some buyers simply sleep better knowing their payment will not change. There is real value in that. For families purchasing in Edmonton, especially those managing childcare costs or other major expenses, predictability often outweighs potential savings. When Variable Could Be the Better Strategy Variable rates are making a comeback in 2026. Here is why they are worth considering. You Expect Further Rate Cuts If the Bank of Canada continues to reduce rates later this year, variable mortgage holders benefit immediately. You Plan to Sell or Refinance Variable mortgages often have lower penalties if you break your term early. If you plan to move, refinance, or restructure in a few years, this flexibility can save thousands. You Have Financial Cushion If your budget allows room for payment fluctuations, variable can be a strategic way to reduce long term interest costs. Historically, variable rates have often outperformed fixed over the full term. The key is whether you are comfortable riding out short term volatility. Comparing Fixed and Variable in 2026 Here is a simplified comparison to help buyers in Edmonton understand the trade offs. Fixed Rate Payment Stability: High Rate Movement: None during term Penalty to Break: Higher Best For: Risk averse buyers Potential Savings: Stable but limited Variable Rate Payment Stability: Moderate Rate Movement: Moves with prime Penalty to Break: Often lower Best For: Flexible buyers Potential Savings: Greater if rates fall A Smart Strategy for Today's Buyers There is no universal answer. The best mortgage strategy in 2026 depends on three things. Your financial comfort level Your timeline in the property Your long term plans Some buyers are even choosing shorter fixed terms, such as three years, to balance stability and flexibility. Others are exploring adjustable variable options with capped payments. As your mortgage professional in Edmonton, my role is to walk you through real numbers, not headlines. We run payment scenarios under different rate environments so you can see exactly what risk and reward look like. What First Time Buyers Should Consider If you are entering the market for the first time, qualifying is already stressful. In many cases, locking in can simplify your transition into homeownership. If you are upgrading and have equity, you may have more room to take a calculated risk with variable. Every Buyer's Situation is Unique Rates are no longer at emergency lows, but they are also not at peak highs. That creates opportunity. The question is not whether fixed or variable is better in general. The question is which one fits your life right now. If you are buying in Alberta, let's build a strategy that protects your budget and positions you for long term success. Call 403-968-2784 or email christine@flaremortgagegroup.com to review your options. I would be happy to walk you through the numbers and help you make a confident decision.