Balancing caregiving and professional roles: A qualitative study of Ontario regulated healthcare professionals caring for aging adults

Kristina M Kokorelias, Caillie Gregory, Mikayla Speranza, Nira Rittenberg, Suzanne Smith-Bayley, Monique A M Gignac, Gary Naglie and Jill I Cameron

PLOS Aging and Health, 2026, vol. 1, issue 1, 1-13

Abstract: The rapid aging of the global population has intensified reliance on unpaid family caregivers, whose contributions are vital to sustaining health and social care systems. In Canada, millions provide such care, often at significant personal, social, and economic cost. Healthcare professionals (HCPs) are uniquely positioned within this landscape, as many simultaneously balance demanding clinical roles with caregiving responsibilities for aging parents. Despite their expertise, this group remains understudied, particularly beyond physicians and nurses. This qualitative descriptive study explored how Ontario-regulated HCPs experience and manage these dual roles and how these responsibilities influence their well-being and professional practice. Twenty HCPs from diverse professions participated in semi-structured interviews conducted between 2021 and 2024. Reflexive thematic analysis revealed two key themes: reasons for assuming caregiving roles and the impacts of dual caregiving. Participants often assumed caregiving responsibilities due to their healthcare expertise, which positioned them as the most capable family member, alongside strong familial or cultural expectations. While clinical knowledge facilitated system navigation, advocacy, and informed decision-making, it also heightened expectations and responsibility. Balancing dual roles had significant implications for well-being and professional life. Many participants reported burnout, reduced personal time, and feelings of guilt, although workplace flexibility mitigated some challenges. Professional expertise and networks supported caregiving, yet participants experienced emotional strain, divided attention, and occasional reductions in work hours or career development opportunities. At the same time, caregiving enhanced empathy, communication skills, and understanding of patients’ experiences, enriching professional practice. Targeted organizational supports, flexible work policies, and tailored interventions are needed to sustain the well-being and workforce participation of HCP caregivers. Understanding their experiences is critical to strengthening both caregiver support systems and healthcare system resilience.Author summary: Many healthcare professionals also care for aging parents or family members while continuing to work in demanding clinical roles. This study explored how regulated healthcare professionals in Ontario experience and manage this dual responsibility, and how it affects their personal well-being and professional lives. We conducted interviews with 20 healthcare professionals from a range of disciplines, including physicians, social workers, occupational therapists, physiotherapists, dentists, and massage therapists. Participants described why they became caregivers, how they balanced caregiving with work, and the impacts on their daily lives. Findings showed that many participants felt they were the most capable family member to provide care because of their clinical knowledge and ability to navigate the healthcare system. Family expectations and cultural values also played an important role. While participants reported that caregiving improved their empathy and understanding of patients and families, it also led to stress, fatigue, guilt, and reduced time for personal activities. Some participants reduced work hours or declined professional opportunities to manage caregiving responsibilities. The study highlights the need for workplace policies that better support healthcare professionals who are also caregivers, particularly through flexible work arrangements and targeted organizational supports that promote well-being and workforce sustainability.

Date: 2026
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:plo:page00:0000016

DOI: 10.1371/journal.page.0000016

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