HPCO’s Caregiver Support Modules
You might be new to caregiving, or you might be well along your journey. Regardless of the unique circumstances of your situation, we do know that all caregiving can be incredibly rewarding, and it can be incredibly isolating and stressful too. This website is meant to assist you in finding the support you need, exactly when you need it. You can browse the topics in any order you would like to. Each topic is available on the web page, as a downloadable PDF, and a transcribed audio clip to listen along to. There are videos and activities that you can follow along with as well. Visit the website as many times as you like. Click here.
Saint Elizabeth Health CareChannel
SE Health has launched CareChannel, which is a free and comprehensive, educational platform that features over 80 ‘how-to videos’, care guides, and in-class training workshops. The user-friendly, online platform explores topics from self-care, to demonstrations on how to assist someone with crutches, to dementia care. In the spirit of reconciliation, the program was designed with caregivers who are First Nations, Inuit and Métis, and caregivers whose first language is English, French, Spanish, Mandarin, and Punjabi.
CareChannel will meet the needs of over 1 million caregivers in Ontario. With the launch of CareChannel, Ontarians can look forward to improving the sustainability of home and community care. Click here.
Ontario Caregiver Organization
The Ontario Caregiver Organization (OCO) exists to support Ontario’s 3.3 million caregivers; ordinary people who provide physical and/or emotional support to a family member, partner, friend or neighbour. The OCO will enhance the caregiving experience by providing one point of access to information, services and supports that empower and enable caregivers to be successful in their role. Where gaps exist in caregiver programs and services, the OCO partners with caregivers, health care providers and other organizations to find new and innovative ways to bridge those gaps so all caregivers, regardless of age, disease or geographical location have access to the help they need. Established in 2018, the OCO is a not-for-profit entity funded by the Government of Ontario. The OCO is offering to support caregivers during the COVID-19 situation. Please visit the COVID-19 page of their website for up-to-date caregiver information and resources, including:
- Tips for Caregiver Mental Health during COVID-19
- How Technology Can Support Caregivers during COVID-19
- Communication developed in partnership with the Ontario Hospital Association
- Connecting Socially While Keeping Your Distance
- Caregiver Contingency Plan
- Caregiver Starter Kit
- What Caregivers Want Healthcare Providers and Hospital Staff to Know
- Caring for Seniors in Your Community
OCO is also offering the following programs:
- Virtual Caregiver Cafes/Peer Support Groups – Offered four times each week. Facilitated by an OCO staff member, discussion will be driven by caregivers to focus on issues of highest importance to them.
- SCALE Program (Support for Caregiver Awareness, Learning and Empowerment) – Including webinars and free 1-1 counselling sessions.
- Young Caregiver Online Support Group – Every Wednesday evening at 7:30pm for caregivers between
the ages of 15-25.
The Ontario Caregiver Helpline continues to provide 24/7 support to caregivers, including connection and referrals to information, supports and services. If there are changes to your direct caregiver programs and services during this time, please use this link to ensure that the Helpline database has current information.
CaregivingCommunities is a new online portal that provides an easy way for people and organizations in your
community to find the support they need.
- Individuals who need help can search for local organizations that are assisting with delivery of groceries
and other essentials or social support. - Long-term care homes, retirement residences, and assisted living residences can search for local
organizations that are collecting Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and providing other supports. - Local organizations that are offering help can register on the portal
Family Councils Ontario
Family Councils Ontario works with Family Councils in Long-Term Care Homes across Ontario. Their mission is to lead and support families in improving quality of life in Long-Term Care.
- Virtual Family Forum: Please join the Virtual Family Forum to share your concerns, brainstorm ideas for maintaining a connection with residents during the visitor restriction, ask FCO staff questions about the COVID-19 situation and how it is impacting LTC, and give and receive support from your peers. The discussion will be driven by family members with facilitation by an FCO staff person
- Supports for Families: Many organizations have developed tools and resources to help families cope with and navigate the COVID-19 crisis.
For Individuals:
- www.mygrief.ca from Canadian Virtual Hospice