This paper describes patterns of caring for people aged 65 or over with dementia in Canada, and the relationship this has with the well-being of caregivers. Data were drawn from a representative sample of elderly people, selected from the community and from institutions in the ten provinces of Canada as part of the Canadian Study of Health and Aging (CSHA). Interviews were held with the caregivers of people diagnosed with dementia, and with a comparison group of caregivers for non-demented persons. About half of all people with dementia in Canada are living in the community, and our results show that over 98 per cent of them have a caregiver. The caregivers in 94 per cent of these cases are unpaid family members, relatives or friends: the spouse in 37 per cent of cases and a daughter in 29 per cent. Caregivers rarely use community support services. Among those caring for someone in the community, those caring for a person with dementia are more likely to experience chronic health problems and depressive symptoms than are those caring for a non-demented elderly person. Those caring for a person in the community are much more likely to feel burdened than those whose loved one is in an institution, even though those who are institutionalized are more likely to suffer from severe dementia. These national figures support many of the findings reported from smaller, localized studies. The findings suggest that long-term care institutions are serving a role for Canada's seniors, particularly for the most demented, and that caregivers often provide care for loved ones even when suffering from chronic health conditions, depression, and burden themselves.

Quels sont les profils de non-réponse aux questions sur le revenu qui se dégagent de recherches canadiennes sur les personnes âgées vivant au sein d'une communauté? Quels sont les attitudes des personnes âgées à l'égard du dévoilement de renseignements sur les revenus? Le taux de non-réponse aux items qui se rapportent aux renseignements sur les revenus est supérieur à tout autre dans les questionnaires. De plus, le format proprement dit des questions sur les revenus semble influencer le taux de non-réponse. En général, la fiabilité des renseignements recueillis sur le revenu est élevée. Les personnes âgées hésitent à dévoiler ce genre d'information car ils désirent d'abord et avant tout protéger leur vie privée.