VOLUME 54 - JULY 2024

Impact Report and New Strategic Plan

OCO’s 2023-24 Impact Report and new Strategic Plan are now available. This past year can best be described by the word momentum, which is the title of the Report.

Here are a few key highlights on how OCO is making a difference in the lives of caregivers and care providers:

  • Last year we saw a surge in the number of caregivers accessing our free programs and services, particularly 1:1 supports for high-intensity caregiving. In some instances, program registration increased by almost 60%.
  • More hospitals and long-term care homes are collaborating with OCO’s Essential Care Partner Support Hub to implement best practices in caregiver recognition and inclusion. This work has the potential to support caregivers while also reducing burnout risk for both caregivers and providers.
  • OCO has also received generous investments from both the Ministry of Health and Ontario Health, as well as new funding from the Canadian Centre for Caregiving Excellence and Petro-Canada Caremakers Foundation.

OCO’s new Strategic Plan focuses on 4 key priorities:

  1. Connecting more caregivers to the supports they need,
  2. Embedding caregiving into the culture of healthcare,
  3. Generating solutions with caregivers and system partners to address issues that impact caregivers, and
  4. Amplifying caregiver voices and evidence to influence change.

The OCO team looks forward to working with a wide range of caregivers and system partners to fulfill these priorities in the coming years.

Download the Impact Report

Download the Strategic Plan

July 24 is International Self-Care Day

The task of caregiving can be an emotional rollercoaster. We understand many caregivers may find themselves physically and emotionally exhausted or feel overwhelmed as they struggle to balance caregiver responsibilities and life. We also understand it’s hard to find the time to care for yourself. In recognition of International Self-Care Day, we have asked caregivers for recommendations on books that have helped them, and we are sharing in hopes they are helpful to support your journey.

Download Our Book Recommendations

Supporting Caregivers: Online Support Groups
Caregiver with her grandfather

Family caregivers may experience feelings of isolation and loneliness during their caregiving journey. We invite you to join our free Online Support Groups where you can connect with other caregivers. These supportive environments provide an opportunity to share your challenges, successes, and concerns related to caregiving. The discussions will be led by caregivers and facilitated by a peer support volunteer who has personal experience as a caregiver.

Our groups meet online at various dates and times. Register below!

Learn More About Our Support Groups

Time to Talk Podcast: Caring for a Parent with Dementia and Advocating for Their Rights
Woman listening to a podcast in the street

In this episode, we are joined by Shara, a dedicated long-distance caregiver for her father who has dementia. She discusses the significant challenges of caregiving for individuals with Alzheimer's disease, emphasizes the importance of person-centered care, and shares practical in-home solutions to ensure her father’s safety. Shara also talks about the complexities of involving the person receiving care in conversations and stresses the importance of advocating for her father in various healthcare settings.

Listen Now

Webinar Replay: What is the Office of the Patient Ombudsman?

Have you heard of the Patient Ombudsman? In this webinar, we invited Craig Thompson, Ontario's Patient Ombudsman, to talk about the role and functions of the office of the Patient Ombudsman, as well as what caregivers need to know about filing health care complaints in Ontario. You will learn about how the Patient Ombudsman collaborates with patients, caregivers, and healthcare providers to address complaints, see examples of complaints, and understand the process of submitting a complaint.

Watch the Replay Now

Upcoming Webinars

Title: Managing Your Mental Health While Navigting the Healthcare System

Date: Thursday, July 11, 2024

Time: 12 – 1 p.m. ET

Register Here

Title: 2-Part Webinar Series: Caregiver Benefits & Tax Credits with CRA

Date: Thursday, July 25 & Thursday August 1, 2024

Time: 12 – 1 p.m. ET *LIVE SESSION ONLY

Register Here

Missed a Webinar?

We know caregivers are busy. That's why we record webinars so that you can watch them after the event, at a time that's convenient for you.

View OCO's Library

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