ABSTRACT
This chapter presents the invisibility of caregivers in health and social care settings, contests the dominant discourse and assumptions of who counts as a caregiver, and addresses caregiving as a human rights issue. It describes the gendered nature of caregiving and aims to understanding of caregiver realities to include marginalized communities. The chapter also presents several myths about who counts as a caregiver and provides insights and examples to foster Anti-oppressive practice. Research has shown that caregivers provide care because of a strong commitment to their relationships and will continue to do so regardless of the challenges they face. More than eight million people in Canada identify as caregivers, representing approximately 30% of the entire Canadian population. The potential benefits of targeting support and counselling to caregivers in the post-care period is an area worthy of consideration within health and social care services.
