Support for you

Explore financial supports available for caregivers

Visit The Ontario Caregiver Organization

Access services to help you take care of your mental health

Visit Connex Ontario

If you need short-term caregiving relief while you are away, you can access respite care.

Read more at Respite care | ontario.ca

Explore legal aid available to support seniors

Visit the Advocacy Centre for the Elderly

Support groups are safe spaces that provide emotional support and encouragement based on shared experiences.

• Ontario Caregiver Organization – Peer Support Program
• Etobicoke Support Services – Caregiver Support Group
• Alzheimer Society Toronto – Support Groups
• RECONNECT Community Health Services  – Caregiver Care Support Group 

Burn out can happen when you don’t get the help you need or if you take on more than you can handle. The role of the caregiver can be very demanding, and it is important that you are able to recognize the signs of burn out. Here are a few signs to watch out for:

1. Feeling overwhelmed: You feel like you can’t handle your responsibilities anymore
2. Constant fatigue: You are always tired, even after resting
3. Changes in sleep: You have trouble sleeping or sleep too much
4. Loss of interest: You no longer enjoy activities you used to like
5. Irritability: You get easily annoyed or angry
6. Other physical symptoms: You experience headaches, stomach issues, or other unexplained health problems.

If you notice these signs, reach out for help from family, friends or professional services. Remember, taking care of yourself is not selfish – it’s necessary to be an effective and loving caregiver.

Looking for more resources? The Ontario Caregiver Organization’s SCALE (Supporting Caregiver Awareness, Learning and Empowerment) Program can provide you with skills you need to find a balance between your caregiving responsibilities and personal needs. Click here to learn more.

Yee Hong

• Caregiver online education is open to anyone, anywhere; it is offered in English, Cantonese, and Mandarin. Topics depend on which healthcare professionals are available to present.
• Caregiver support groups run on the 2nd Friday (Cantonese) and the 3rd Wednesday (Mandarin), with both in-person and virtual (hybrid) options.
• In-person caregiver wellness programs include activities like yoga and meditation.
• Caregiver Grief and Bereavement support groups are available.
• Social workers offer one-on-one supportive counselling.
• For more information, click here.

Carefirst

• Provides culturally relevant caregiver support in Cantonese for individuals caring for people living with dementia
• Offers an ongoing Cantonese Caregiver Support Group
• Uses a curriculum developed with COSTI, updated to reflect current environments and increasingly complex caregiver needs
• For more information, click here.

COSTI

• Caregiver support group for Spanish community
• Caregiver information groups (Spanish, Italian, Portuguese, for those who are a caregiver to someone with dementia)

Cultural Perspectives on Caregiving

• Stories of Strength & Support available for the South Asian/Punjabi Community. Watch the video here.
• I am a Caregiver Toolkit available for the Black Community. Click here for the Toolkit. 
• I am a Caregiver Toolkit available in Farsi. Click here for the Toolkit. 
• I am a Caregiver Toolkit available in Tagalog. Click here for the Toolkit.