The pandemic has had a profound impact on a large, but widely unrecognized and anonymous group of people.

There are thousands of caregivers across the country, many of whom provide a valuable service not only to their loved one, but to society as a whole—yet many have been suffering in silence through the pandemic.

Tuesday was National Caregivers Day, and Carers Canada in partnership with EMD Serono Canada released a survey that shows a majority of caregivers asked are reporting burnout and worsening emotional, financial, and physical health effects since the pandemic hit.

Manuel Zafra, managing director of EMD Serono Canada, says the impacts of social isolation and increased damages and responsibilities are taking a toll according to the latest survey.

“That has come with a high price,” says Zafra, which is a high level of burnout for carers.

Among the challenges are the increased emotional support caregivers are required to provide, in addition to the added responsibilities linked to keeping their loved one digitally connected with family and health care providers.

It’s something many caregivers didn’t have to deal with to such a high degree before the pandemic, says Zafra. Now caregivers have the added responsibility of keeping up with virtual appointments with health care providers and keeping their loved one connected with family online.