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ALS Costs Canadians $628M Annually
14 Oct
Summary
- ALS costs Canadians $628.2 million each year.
- Families bear 78% of the financial burden, averaging $123,000 yearly.
- ALS Canada calls for $50 million in federal research funding.
A recent "Burden of ALS Study" highlights the profound financial strain of living with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) in Canada, estimating the annual cost at $628.2 million. Patients and their families bear the brunt, accounting for 78% of these costs, which average $123,000 per family each year.
These significant expenses stem from income loss, caregiving demands, and the need for specialized equipment and home modifications. Many individuals with ALS face difficult choices, such as re-mortgaging homes or depleting education funds to afford necessary life-sustaining modifications.
The study, based on a survey of 223 individuals, found that nearly half of those diagnosed stopped working within six months. Home modifications and specialized equipment represent substantial costs, with average spending on new equipment reaching $7,000 annually.
Furthermore, 92% of individuals with ALS rely on unpaid caregivers, often dedicating 30 or more hours weekly to caregiving, impacting their own work and financial stability. The disease also severely impacts independence and identity, leading to social isolation.
ALS Canada is advocating for a $50 million federal investment in research over the next five years, warning that Canada risks falling behind internationally without this crucial support.
