Connect newsletter May 2024

VOLUME 52 - MAY 2024

Family Caregiver Month

May is Family Caregiver Month. To recognize caregivers in Ontario and across the country, Amy Coupal, CEO of OCO is hosting a public consultation webinar with the Canadian Centre for Caregiving Excellence. The public consultation provides an opportunity for you to provide input into the creation of a National Caregiving Strategy – a plan that focuses on federal areas of responsibility and where it will have the broadest immediate impact and influence future policy changes across the country.

During the session, you will learn about the biggest challenges faced by caregivers across Canada and how a National Caregiver Strategy can improve the experiences of all those who give care. Participants will be asked to share recommendations for policy solutions to improve the experience of caregivers, as well as issues faced by paid caregivers.

The webinar is on May 14^th from 12:30 pm to 2 pm. Learn more and register today.

Register to Share Your Insights

May is Mental Health Awareness Month

Taking care of your own mental health and well-being is essential to avoid burnout. The OCO has resources to help you identify warning signs including difficulty sleeping, headaches/stomach aches, feeling trapped, changes in eating habits, etc. Take advantage of our free resources and find the help you need to make your caregiving journey easier.

Take the Self-Assessment in our I am a Caregiver Toolkit

OCO's New Website

The OCO has a new website, designed to help you find the information you need more easily. If you’re not sure where to start, take our 1-minute quiz designed to point you to the programs and services that may help you.

Visit OCO's redesigned website today!

Visit OCO's New Website and Take the Quiz!

Connect With Another Caregiver Through OCO's 1:1 Peer Support

Woman listening to a podcast in the street

Caregiving can be a challenging journey. It can help to connect with others in a similar situation and share experiences. If you're feeling anxious or overwhelmed in your caregiving role, know that you're not alone. Our 1:1 Peer Support Program is here to help. This program provides a secure and non-judgmental space for caregivers to discuss their concerns and share their experiences with someone who understands.

Sign Up For Peer Support Today!

Celebrating Asian Caregivers

May is Asian Heritage Month in Canada, which offers a wonderful opportunity for all Canadians to appreciate and understand the varied cultures present in our communities. For many Asian caregivers, strong family ties are of utmost importance, which often leads to the expectation that they will care for their aging family members. Consequently, Asian caregivers face unique challenges during their caregiving journey, including language barriers and cultural differences. OCO acknowledges the difficulties faced by these communities. If you need support, the Caregiver Helpline (1-833-416-2273) provides real-time interpretation in 150 languages, upon request.

Learn More About the Ontario Caregiver Helpline

Webinar Replay - The Importance of Cultural Competence: The Caregiver Connection

A woman hold a cup of coffee with her eyes closed

Building strong relationships with healthcare providers is an essential part of being a caregiver. It can help us connect better with them and feel more included. However, it can be challenging to establish a connection with individuals whose cultures and backgrounds are unfamiliar to us. In a recent webinar, we shared more about the concept of cultural competency, which includes the ability to interact with healthcare providers in a way that shows respect, mindfulness, and sensitivity to differences that we may not be aware of.

Watch the Replay Now

Upcoming Webinars

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