Caregiver Resources
Courses
Caregiving Essentials: A free online course offered by McMaster Continuing Education
Seven-week course covers the following topics: Becoming a caregiver, (including legal and financial information). How to navigate the health care system and get the supports you need. How to take care of yourself so you can care for someone else. Health and medical information.
Caregiving Strategies: Providing Care and Support for a Senior Living with Frailty
A free online course offered by the Regional Geriatric Programs of Ontario, this eightweek course is designed for family and friend caregivers of seniors who want to learn about frailty and to develop strategies that support them in their caregiving role. You’ll recognize this handbook as the complementary resource for this course. Topics include: Caring for the Caregiver. Pain. Staying Active: Mobility and Fall Prevention. Nutrition and Bladder Health. Medication Management. Changes in Thinking and Behaviour (Delirium). Social Engagement. Bringing it all together.
Powerful Tools for Caregivers
Helps caregivers take better care of themselves while caring for a friend or relative. This six-week course is offered through in-person classes during which caregivers develop a wealth of self-care tools to: Reduce personal stress. Change negative self-talk. Communicate with family members and health care professionals. Communicate effectively in challenging situations. Recognize the messages in their emotions. Deal with difficult feelings. Make tough caregiving decisions.
Organizations
211 Ontario
Free helpline that connects you with programs, services and resources in your area. Dial 211 to connect with a navigator.
A Guide to Programs and Services for Seniors
Information on resources available for seniors in Ontario, including tax credits, health, caregiving, housing, driving and staying safe.
Alzheimer Society of Simcoe County
Education, support, social/recreation programs and more – Phone number: 705-722-1066
CareChannel
Developed by the Saint Elizabeth Foundation, it offers free resources for caregivers including over 100 helpful videos and instructional contents, supported in five different languages: English, French, Spanish, Mandarin, and Punjabi.
Caregiver Exchange
Practical advice for busy Ontario caregivers. It contains many articles and videos that are free to access.
Government of Canada
Website dedicated to providing resources and guides for care options and planning for care, including: How to have care conversations. The Safe Living Guide – A Guide to Home Safety for Seniors. Your Emergency Preparedness Guide. Planning for future housing needs. Exploring financial options.
Healthline Health Services for Ontario
Provides access to local health and community services across Ontario.
Ontario Health at Home
Ministry of Health funded services available to those who meet eligibility criteria for in-home nursing, therapy, personal support, as well as application to adult day programs or long term care homes. Phone number 310-2222 (no area code required). Toll-free – 1-888-721-222
Ontario Seniors
Information such as: Taking leave from work and the Employment Insurance compassionate care benefit. Respite care. Planning for care, care options. Having conversations about care. Understanding your role as caregiver and your role in another person’s health care. What to do when a loved one dies. Elder abuse.
The Ontario Caregiver Organization
The Ontario Caregiver Organization (OCO) is funded by the Ministry of Health and exists to improve the lives of Ontario’s 4 million caregivers. The OCO supports caregivers by being their one point of access to information, so they have what they need to be successful in their role.
Posters
Ontario Caregiver Organization Poster
The Ontario Caregiver Organization information poster including contact information and resources available.
Patient Handout – Advanced Care Planning and Substitute Decision Making
Patient brochure that explains what advanced care planning and substitute decision makers are and why they are important.
Programs
Canadian Red Cross – Friendly Visiting Program
Friendly Visiting is one-on-one, personal visits by a trained Red Cross volunteer for an hour, for seniors who find it difficult to leave their homes. Depending on their interests, the pair may chat, play a game, do a craft or discuss the news. Phone number: 705-721-3313 ext 5266
Just in Time Counselling
One to one support for mental health and wellbeing. Provided by the Georgian Bay Family Health Team or satellite clinic in Wasaga Beach (in-person, video or phone). 1-3 meetings covered by OHIP. Can self-refer. Phone number: 705-444-5885
The Ontario Caregiver Organization Peer Support
Peer support provides emotional support and encouragement based on shared experiences. The OCO offers two ways for caregivers to connect with peers for support, 1:1 Peer Support Program and Online Support Groups.
Reading list
Caregiving Strategies Handbook: Providing Care & Support for a Senior Living with Frailty
Free booklet with practical advice on Caring for the Caregiver; Pain, Mobility & Fall Prevention; Nutrition; Bladder Health; Medication Management; Changes in Thinking & Behaviour – Delirium; and Social Engagement.