Caregiving Supports – Canada

Stories for Caregivers

Uplifting and inspiring web series created for caregivers.

Stories have the potential to change the way we think and feel about providing care. Stories can share knowledge in entertaining ways, build empathy for better health care and social policies, and drive family and friends to available resources and communities of support. Stories can help us relax and escape the stress of daily life.

Stories for Caregivers aims to share these stories through a variety of custom web series.

Canadian Virtual Hospice

The Canadian Virtual Hospice provides support and personalized information about advanced illness, palliative care, loss and grief, to people living with illness, family members, people working in healthcare, educators, and researchers. 

Government of Canada

Caregiver benefit: If you need to temporarily be away from work to care for a family member who is gravely ill or at risk of dying within 26 weeks. You may be able to receive Compassionate Care Benefit through the Government of Canada. 

Veterans affairs Canada

Canada’s Veterans Affairs website provides information about services and benefits available to Canadian veterans, including: case management, disability benefits, health care programs and benefits, mental health services, rehabilitation programs, etc. Veterans Affairs Canada also runs a 24-hour crisis help line to help support veterans with “almost every problem that can affect your personal or professional life.”

Family Support

Family is Medicine. Ronald McDonald House Charities gives families a place to stay together, close to their sick child in hospital. Because when families stay together, sick children get stronger. 

End-Of-Life Care Support

The End Of Life Doula Association of Canada has a vision to raise the standard of End-Of-Life Care. End-of-life doulas empower, educate, and encourage people and their families to be involved in making decisions. They see death as a process that can span over months or even years rather than an event and doulas can help with supporting and planning for the future, regardless of diagnosis or illness. Having a conversation or making a plan when you are healthy, is encouraged by doulas so that the care received at the end of life is appropriate and aligned with your wishes.

Senior Care Support

Nav-CARE is a FREE program designed to help people living with an illness that isolates and overwhelms them. Specially trained volunteers, with connections to professional health care providers, work with seniors to access resources and services in their community while providing companionship and emotional support. Like a helpful neighbour or friend, Nav-CARE volunteers visit seniors in their home on a regular basis with a focus on enhancing their quality of life. Nav-CARE supports seniors to live well and independently at home for as long as possible.

2SLGBTQ+ Support

Proud, Prepared, and Protected is a collection of online resources to assist people who identify as 2SLGBTQ+ to access and receive inclusive, respectful care. These resources were developed by people who identify as Two-Spirit and LGBTQ+ and more than 40 organizations and Canadian Virtual Hospice to fill a national gap. 

Advance Care Planning Support

Advance Care Planning Workbook

Advance Care Planning is a process of reflection and communication. It is a time for you to reflect on your values and wishes, and to let people know what kind of health and personal care you would want in the future if you were unable to speak for yourself.

This online interactive workbook has the necessary information about advance care planning to guide you through the steps of creating your individualized plan. Download it and share with others. 

Medically Assistance in Dying Support

Medically Assistance in Dying (MAiD) is a legal option in Canada for adults who meet specific criteria set out in law. Is it right for you? Canadian Virtual Hospice is a great resource to help you with your feelings, questions, information about how MAiD works, and about its emotional impacts.

Provincial Resources

British Columbia

Family Caregivers of British Columbia (FCBC)

Family Caregivers of BC (FCBC) is a provincial, not-for-profit that proudly and compassionately supports over 1 million people in British Columbia that provide physical and/or emotional care to a family member, friend, or neighbour. FCBC supports caregivers by providing access to information, education and supports that enable caregivers to feel more confident and successful in their important role.

Alberta

Family Caregiver Centre – Alberta Health Services

The Family Caregiver Center is Calgary operated and connects caregivers with accurate and up-to-date information, health care and community services. The center offers information, education and support to family caregivers.

Caregivers Alberta

Caregivers Alberta strives to empower caregivers and promote their well-being by providing resources, mental health support, and education for people caring for family members or friends. You can speak to a caregiver coach who will talk to you one-on-one, be a listening ear, and provide you with support and help you navigate the system. This association also provides workshops to help caregivers balance their own needs with the demands of their caregiving role.

Saskatchewan

Caregiver Information and Support – (Saskatoon Council on Aging)

This caregiver center is located in Downtown Saskatoon. If you are a caregiver feeling overwhelmed, they offer Professional counseling is available in-person or on the phone. Online, you can find provide valuable information on caregiving.

Manitoba

Seniors Resource Network of Manitoba

The Seniors’ Resource Network is your connection to seniors’ information in Winnipeg and Manitoba. On the site you can find listings of senior organizations, various transportation options, meal programs, health and housing resources among others.

Transportation Options Network for Senior (TONS)

TONS is a volunteer driven network that offers information on transportation options for seniors that enhance quality of life and
promote age-friendly communities.

Government of Manitoba – Resources for Residents

The Government of Manitoba will connect caregivers with resources and information about a caregiver tax credit, family support services, health care services, and law, justice, and citizens’ rights.

Ontario

The Ontario Caregiver Organization

The Ontario Caregiver Organization (OCO)  supports Ontario’s 4 million caregivers who provide physical and emotional support to a family member, partner, friend or neighbour. They support caregivers by providing and being the point of access to information and resources. Caregivers get what they need. 

The Seniors and Caregivers Support Services

The Seniors and Caregivers Support Service (SCSS) Unit at Family Service Toronto provides social work services to older people and caregivers. You can go to their office for counselling, attend support groups or educational seminars, talk to a trained counsellor by telephone or, in exceptional circumstances, arrange for a home/community visit. 

Quebec

Regroupement des aidants naturels du Québec (RANQ)

RANQ has information on caregivers, their rights, statistics, and research. They have a list of community organizations that offer, among other things, counseling services, respite and psychosocial support. They offer two French-language guidebooks for caregivers in Quebec. Caregiver Info is a professional, confidential and free listening, information and referral telephone service to support informal caregivers.

L’APPUI pour les proches aidants

L’APPUI is a not-for-profit organization helping to support caregivers throughout Quebec. On their website you can find resources and services, as well as articles and videos about being a caregiver, and maintaining your health and wellbeing. They have a toll-free hotline for caregivers who need support, need help to find resources, or need to talk.

New Brunswick

New Brunswick Health

Visit the government of New Brunswick’s website for information on healthcare programs, hospitals and clinics, mental health services, and basic needs

Caregiver’s Guide

The government of New Brunswick’s social development website offers information about programs and services to caregivers. 

Nova Scotia

Caregivers Nova Scotia

Caregivers Nova Scotia provides services for caregivers that take many forms, including confidential, one-on-one telephone support, and peer support groups where caregivers can meet others in similar situations and talk about their experiences. They also provide information on programs, services, and educational workshops.

Newfoundland and Labrador

Senior Resource Centre Caregiver Support Program

Seniors NL provide information on services throughout Newfoundland and Labrador. They promote the independence and well-being of older adults and have a toll free telephone line available.

Prince Edward Island

Health PEI

The Health PEI has information about healthcare in PEI, including hospitals, health centers, walk-in clinics, and long-term care facilities throughout the province. You can find  community programs and services provided throughout the province on their website.

North West Territory

NWT Seniors’ Society

NWT Seniors’ Society has information about programs, resources and services which can assist elders and seniors. 

Nunavut

The government of Nunavut

The government of Nunavut website has a Home and Community Care department where caregivers can contact and get support. 

Yukon

The government of Yukon

The government of Yukon website has information for caregivers. They have resources to help you understand what it means to be a caregiver and how to prepare. They list supports for seniors and vulnerable adults.