Informal family caregiver experiences with publicly funded home care in Ontario

Publicly funded home care in Ontario, Canada, is a critical component of the health care system. Over the last few decades the sector has undergone numerous reforms impacting the funding and provision of services. In light of this, the purpose of this study was to examine the lived experiences of informal family caregivers who seek in-home publicly funded care for their relatives. In doing so, the goal was to understand the circumstances and challenges faced by these individuals in accessing care and obtaining respite from their duties. This knowledge is fundamental to the health care system which seeks to prevent institutionalization as well as to minimize health care costs associated with the physical and psychological outcomes of informal caregiving.