REVIEW
Public Health Rev.
Unveiling the Hidden Challenges: A Systematic Review of Self-Identified Caregiver Support Needs for Older Adults in Canada
- SA
Sheila A. Boamah 1
- HH
Hoda Herati 1
- FA
Farzana Akter 1
- FH
Farinaz Havaei 2
- MY
Marie-Lee Yous 1
- SK
Sharon Kaasalainen 1
1. McMaster University School of Nursing, Hamilton, Canada
2. The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
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Abstract
Objectives: In Canada, over 7.8 million individuals provide care, with nearly one-quarter aged 65 or older. As essential partners in aging, caregivers bridge formal care systems and the broader care economy. With caregiving demands expected to double over the next 30 years, understanding caregivers’ evolving support needs is critical. This systematic review aims to document caregivers' self-identified support needs in delivering quality care. Methods: A systematic search of bibliographic databases and grey literature was conducted in line with PRISMA guidelines. Eligible studies were peer-reviewed, published in English between 2020 and 2025; reviews and grey literature were excluded. Selection was managed using Covidence, and methodological quality was assessed independent by two reviewers utilizing Joanna Briggs Institute tools. Results: Of 3,629 records, 83 studies were included: 59 qualitative, 17 quantitative, and 7 mixed-methods. Five key themes with twelve sub-themes emerged, reflecting caregivers' needs related to system navigation, inclusive technologies, coordinated care system, emotional and practical, and financial/workplace resources. Conclusion: Caregivers' insights highlight priority areas to inform caregiver-centred policies, services, and research that enhance caregiver well-being and care quality for older adults.
Summary
Keywords
Canada, Informal care, olderadults, self-identified caregivers, Support needs
Received
22 September 2025
Accepted
06 January 2026
Copyright
© 2026 Boamah, Herati, Akter, Havaei, Yous and Kaasalainen. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY). The use, distribution or reproduction in other forums is permitted, provided the original author(s) or licensor are credited and that the original publication in this journal is cited, in accordance with accepted academic practice. No use, distribution or reproduction is permitted which does not comply with these terms.
*Correspondence: Sheila A. Boamah, boamahs@mcmaster.ca
Disclaimer
All claims expressed in this article are solely those of the authors and do not necessarily represent those of their affiliated organizations, or those of the publisher, the editors and the reviewers. Any product that may be evaluated in this article or claim that may be made by its manufacturer is not guaranteed or endorsed by the publisher.