Thank You to Our Volunteers | Your commitment and willingness to offer your time, skills, and empathy are crucial to the inclusivity, strength, and well-being of our organization. As this week is National Volunteer Week (April 14-20, 2024), we acknowledge and celebrate the significant impact of every volunteer at OCO. If you are interested in volunteering with us, click the button below: | Meet Elaine, an OCO Peer Mentor | Meet Elaine, an OCO Peer Mentor volunteer who began her caregiving journey six years ago when her husband was diagnosed with dementia. In the beginning, Elaine spent a lot of time researching and finding out what resources were available to help her and her husband. After her caregiving journey ended, Elaine was determined to share her knowledge and help other caregivers who were going through similar situations. Through the Peer Support Program, Elaine bridged the gap for caregivers and helped them find the support they needed. | | To this day, Elaine continues to lend a sympathetic ear to other caregivers and help enrich their caregiving journey. If you are interested in helping others, please consider Becoming a Peer Mentor with OCO. Become a Peer Mentor | Addressing Caregiver Burnout and Wellness on The Social CTV | On March 22, 2024, Amy Coupal, CEO of OCO, appeared on The Social CTV to discuss the vital role that caregivers play in the healthcare system and the reality of caregiver burnout. During the segment, Amy provided insights into the responsibilities and challenges that caregivers face. She spoke about the higher rates of depression, anxiety, and burnout that caregivers experience, as well as the practical and financial difficulties that they may encounter. | | What is Social Prescribing? | Caregiver stress and burnout place the health and well-being of caregivers at risk. Our recent Spotlight Report indicates that 73% of caregivers are concerned that they cannot handle all of their caregiving responsibilities, and many are facing burnout, depression, and feelings of isolation. Social prescribing is a transformative way to ensure people have access to non-clinical services that will address their social, emotional, and mental health needs. | | For caregivers, this means getting connected to the support they need with the goal of improving their health and well-being. This can include connections to support groups, developing a new skill, as well as participating in social or recreational activities. OCO is happy to announce a new funding partnership with the Canadian Centre of Caregiving Excellence that will improve access to social prescribing opportunities for caregivers in Ontario. To learn more about social prescribing, please visit the Canadian Institute for Social Prescribing (CISP): Learn More About Social Prescribing | Time to Talk Podcast: Using Technology to Assist People With Dementia | In this episode of Time to Talk, Michelle has a conversation with Ron Beleno about his experience as a caregiver and how technology and community support have played a crucial role in caregiving. Ron talks about his personal journey of taking care of his father, who suffered from dementia, and how he used technology to ensure his father's safety. He also highlights the benefits of integrating technology into caregiving and stresses the importance of considering the return on investment or emotion while looking for caregiving solutions. | | Webinar Replay - Eating Disorder Quality Standard: Tools and Resources for Caregivers Supporting an individual with an eating disorder can be an extremely stressful experience for family caregivers as they try to navigate the healthcare system in order to find effective treatment. This webinar provides caregivers with useful information, resources, and tools to help them support individuals with eating disorders. You will learn how to utilize the Ontario Health’s Eating Disorders Quality Standard, as well as its patient and caregiver guide, to access high-quality care. | | Upcoming Webinars Title: Intimacy & Connection in the Caregiver-Partner Relationship Date: Thursday, May 9, 2024 Time: 12 – 1 p.m. ET Register Now | Title: Hypertension Quality Standard: What Caregivers Should Know Date: Thursday, May 30, 2024 Time: 12 – 1 p.m. ET Register here | Title: Q&A on Caregiver Mental Health with Dr. Patrick McGrath Date: Wednesday, June 12, 2024 Time: 12 – 1 p.m. ET 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 | | | | Share This Newsletter Was this newsletter helpful? Please forward this email to two friends who may benefit from these free programs and resources. Are you the friend? Subscribe here | | | | | | |
