A new article from Statistics Canada takes a detailed look at long-distance caregivers - people who provide care for a chronically ill, aging parent who lives far away. This study, based on data from the 2007 General Social Survey, shows that approximately 20% of Canadians aged 45 or older are providing assistance to a parent or parent-in-law who lives more than an hour's journey away.

The profile of long-distance caregivers is different from that of caregivers who live closer to their parent who requires care. On average, those who live farther away have higher incomes, are more highly educated,  are more likely to live in large metropolitan areas and have fewer siblings.

The article also provides some information about caregivers who live closer to their aging parents.

To read the full article on the Statistics Canada website, click here.