Ontario Caregivers Organization

Webinar Description: Transitioning between hospital and home can be stressful for family caregivers and their care recipients. In partnership with Ontario Health, this webinar provides caregivers with information, resources, and tools to support patient transitions between hospital and home. We will hear lived experiences from two caregivers, and Dr. Karen Okrainec, a Clinician-Scientist and Assistant Professor at University Health Network and the University of Toronto. Dr. Okrainec will showcase the Patient Oriented Discharge Summary (PODS) tool, designed to alleviate stress for patients and their caregivers during transitions. Webinar participants will learn how to: Understand the importance of seamless, fully coordinated transitions between hospital and home Use the quality standard and patient guide to support conversations with health care providers on a written transition plan, medications, home and community care, medical equipment and devices, follow-up appointments, and possible changes to your routine at home Identify tools and resources that can help support families and caregivers through the transition process Register for a chance to win an OCO water bottle! Details: Date: Thursday, September 22, 2022 Time: 12:00 to 1:00 p.m. ET Place: Zoom (link provided via email to those who register) Free For any difficulty with registration or any other questions, […]

Nurturing mental health and wellness for caregivers - Supporting Caregiver Awareness, Learning and Empowerment (SCALE) Program The SCALE Program aims to empower caregivers with practical information and skills to focus on their mental health and well-being needs by offering: • Weekly psychoeducational webinars (LIVE or RECORDED) are divided into two 4-week sessions (see below for Session 1 and Session 2 topics). You may register for all of Session 1, Session 2, or individual webinars to suit your needs. • Strategies, tools, and resources to better cope with difficult caregiving emotions. • Free and confidential online group and/or individual counselling (OPTIONAL). *Space is limited. Registration is based on a first-come, first-served basis. *If you’re planning to access these services, it is highly encouraged that you register for the full session of webinars to receive the maximum benefit from group or individual counselling. “The counselling was incredible and life-changing…the webinars had the right balance of information and self-directed work. I’ve used the accompanying resources to build my road to wellness. I was able to apply the knowledge, strategies and tactics to my work-life too. The benefits of the SCALE program brought wellness to all aspects of my being.” – Caregiver SESSION 1: […]

Family caregivers play an invaluable part in supporting people living with heart failure. However, this role can be stressful and overwhelming, and it may be difficult for caregivers to balance their needs with their care recipient. In recognition of Heart Month, join us for a presentation given by two heart failure caregivers, Cindy Yip and John Yudelman, who who will share their challenges, experiences, and helpful supports they found on their caregiver journeys. You will also hear from Dr. Phyllis Billia, cardiologist at UHN’s Peter Munk Cardiac Centre. Dr. Billia specializes in heart failure, focused on patients undergoing advanced therapies. She will provide practical resources and explain care strategies and support for caregivers. Social Media: Twitter: @trogersresearch Website: https://ourhearthub.ca/ Email: thehearthub@uhn.ca During the webinar, we will be drawing for 2 $25 dollar Starbucks gift cards. And, for all attendees who complete the post-webinar survey, 2 more people will be eligible to enter a draw to win a $25 dollar Starbucks gift card. The first two cards will be during the webinar, and the second two cards will be once the survey closes the following week. The draws are only available to residents of Ontario. Winners will be contacted via email […]

Caring for yourself is one of the most important things you can do as a caregiver. But often, caregivers prioritize the needs of others over their own. In this webinar, Laura Jackson, a registered nurse and healthcare leader will identify ways to care for yourself. You will learn: The art and science of self-compassion and how to cultivate it in your life Tips for making and developing your own routine to practice self-compassion and mindfulness How to foster boundaries as a caregiver without guilt, anger, and resentment Our Speaker: Laura Jackson RN, BScN, MN, CPMHN(C), NBC-HWC is a caregiver, healthcare leader, mental health, and self-care advocate. She has worked in various roles, including as a health and lifestyle coach, mindfulness, yoga and self-compassion facilitator, wellness leader, healthcare administrator and professional practice clinician. She currently works in mental health as well as maintains a private wellness practice. Date: Thursday, July 13th, 2023 Time: 12 to 1 p.m. ET Place: Zoom (link provided via email to those who register) Cost: Free Please note that this presentation is available in English only. Pour de l’information sur nos programmes et services en français, visitez www.ontariocaregiver.ca/fr ou communiquez avec nous par courriel à info@ontariocaregiver.ca. For […]

Caregiving changes so much in how we experience life and our familial relationships. In this webinar, we will explore the shifts that occur in the dynamics of intimate partner relationships. Often the general caregiving challenges overshadow the deeper relationship needs between the caregiver and care recipient. In observance of Mental Health Week this May, join Michal Goldstein, a registered social worker, and explore how caregivers can manage some of the challenges that arise within this shifting dynamic, including: Feelings of isolation and guilt Changes in intimacy Feelings of disinterest in the relationship Tools to regain connection and intimacy Our Speaker: Michal Goldstein is a clinical social worker and therapist with 15 years of experience in supporting individuals, couples, and families to build stronger and healthier relationships. She is also the owner and founder of Creating Connections Counselling Services, a virtual therapy practice based in Toronto that helps individuals and families to reconnect and thrive. Michal holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, Bachelor of Social Work (BSW), and Master of Social Work (MSW) degrees. She is a registered social worker with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW) and the Ontario Association of Social Workers (OASW). […]

As a caregiver, understanding a diagnosis of hypertension (high blood pressure) can be complex. People with hypertension may not feel any symptoms, but if the condition is not well managed, it can lead to serious health problems, such as a heart attack or stroke. Knowing where and how to access accurate information can help you support the person you’re caring for to maintain a healthy and well-balanced lifestyle. In recognition of Hypertension Awareness Month in May, join our webinar to learn about: Ontario Health’s new Hypertension quality standard and opportunities to improve care for people with hypertension Information, tools, and resources to support and help your care recipient with managing their hypertension (e.g., health behaviour changes and self-management) Questions to discuss with your care recipient’s health care team Stories from caregivers who have provided care and support to people with hypertension Our Speaker: Gracia Mabaya is a Lead in the Clinical and Quality Standards Program at Ontario Health. Having dedicated nearly eight years to Ontario Health, she has led and contributed to the development and refinement of quality standards across various health conditions, notably leading the development of the Hypertension: Care in the Community for Adults quality standard. Hypertension Quality Standard: https://www.hqontario.ca/evidence-to-improve-care/quality-standards/view-all-quality-standards/hypertension All attendees who complete […]

Caregiving can sometimes lead to feelings of stress, anxiety, and burnout. In more challenging situations, caregivers may also notice post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) from their experiences. How can caregivers find support for their mental health? The OCO welcomes back Dr. Patrick McGrath to answer important questions that caregivers have shared with us. Submit your question about mental health in advance Gain useful tips and strategies on how to manage your mental health Learn what services or tools are available to support your mental health needs Note: We encourage caregivers to share questions when filling out the Eventbrite registration. The OCO endeavors to answer as many questions as possible, but some questions may not be answered due to time limitations. Our Speaker: Dr. Patrick McGrath is a clinical psychologist and Emeritus Professor of Psychiatry at Dalhousie University and a scientist at the IWK Health Centre where his research is based. He is an Adjunct Professor of Psychiatry at the University of Ottawa and founder and president of 90Second Health Letters. He frequently treats caregivers with anxiety in his private practice. All attendees who complete the webinar survey can enter a draw to win an Ontario Caregiver Organization prize. This draw will be […]

Are you a family caregiver supporting a spouse or common-law partner, or a dependant with a disability? Regardless of the situation, there’s no denying that looking after someone can take up a great deal of your time and money. We are pleased to welcome back the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) for a two-part webinar series to discuss the government benefits and tax credits that are available to you. We will also share information and tools that may be helpful for all caregivers. Part One: Thursday, July 25th, 2024 General overview of benefits and tax credits for caregivers What supports are available and how to apply? How much can you claim and what documents do you need to support you claim? Part Two: Thursday, August 1st, 2024 Disability Tax Credit – in-depth review What is the Disability Tax Credit and is it right for you? How to apply online? Our speaker: Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) is the agency responsible for administering tax laws for the Government of Canada and for most provinces and territories. *This webinar series will NOT be recorded. We also ask that you NOT personally record as this public service information can change without notice. All attendees who complete the post-webinar survey […]

Within Indigenous cultures, caregiving is part of traditional roles and values embedded in collective and community responsibility. Many people may not consider themselves caregivers but rather family members, friends or community members providing support for someone’s wholistic needs. While caregiving can be incredibly rewarding, caregivers within Indigenous communities encounter numerous challenges, such as a lack of culturally safe services, support and education, economic difficulties, geographical barriers, and the ongoing impacts of colonization. OCO welcomes Holly Prince from the Centre for Education and Research on Aging & Health (CERAH) at Lakehead University to discuss the following: Hear stories and experiences from Indigenous caregivers Explore the OCO and CERAH’s adaptation of the I am a Caregiver Toolkit for Indigenous communities Learn about CERAH and their newly developed caregiver resources Our Speakers: Holly Prince is an Anishinaabekwe and a member of Opwaaganisiniing in Northwestern Ontario, Canada. She is the Lead for the Indigenous People's Health & Aging Division at the Centre for Education and Research on Aging & Health, Lakehead University, where she works as a Project Manager. A part of her role involves planning, implementing, and evaluating palliative care education and health equity initiatives for Indigenous peoples across Canada. All attendees who complete […]

As a caregiver, it is important to have a plan for the future. This can provide you with peace of mind and ensure that your wishes are followed after your death. An estate plan can help you decide what happens to your finances, property, personal items, and most importantly, how your care recipient will continue to receive the support they need. We invite you to join us in this webinar to learn about: Microboards; what they are and how they can support your care recipient Henson Trusts and their role Wills or estate plans, what’s involved Our Speakers: Karen Bell is an experienced Executive Director at Microboards Ontario. She has been working in the developmental services sector for over twenty years, and has held positions at both local and provincial levels. Karen has chaired committees on communications and marketing across the developmental services sector and has supported one-voice advocacy initiatives. She is also the chair of the Communications Task Group for the Developmental Services Workforce Initiative of the Provincial Network. Brendon Pooran is the Founder and Managing Partner of PooranLaw. He has extensive expertise in corporate law and often provides legal counsel to not-for-profit and charitable corporations. Brendon's legal advice also covers […]

Change can be challenging, especially for older adults and seniors who are considering transitioning into a long-term care community. This process can also be confusing and overwhelming for caregivers as they navigate a large amount of information and emotional challenges. In this webinar with Family Councils Ontario (FCO), you will receive information on supporting a positive transition to long-term care before, during, and after the move. You will also learn more about: Long-term care homes setting and how they operate How caregivers can get support from the long-term care team What Family Councils Ontario does and what resources are available for caregivers FCO’s new ‘Transition Project’ Tool, which supports caregiver knowledge experience with best practices Hear other caregivers' experiences and stories Our Speakers: Sam Peck (she/they): Sam is the Executive Director of FCO and has been helping LTC caregivers form effective peer support groups since 2008. She is passionate about the power of peer support and helping Council members and home staff form positive and productive relationships. Liane Pelissier (she/her): Before joining FCO as the Client Services Manager in 2021, Liane worked in LTC for over 19 years as a Resident and Family Services Coordinator, helping support residents and families […]

Four in ten caregivers are facing financial hardship because of their caregiving responsibilities. Additionally, more caregivers are using their savings or investments to cover expenses associated with caregiving. This financial impact is one of the top reasons caregivers are feeling stressed. In this webinar with Credit Canada, you will receive information on how to avoid bankruptcy, become debt-free, and achieve financial wellness. We will also discuss: What is a good Credit Score and why is it important? How Credit Score works and what are the risks? How to access financial readiness kits for unpredictable times? What to do when debt becomes too much to handle on your own? Our Speaker: Credit Canada is Canada’s first and longest-standing credit counselling agency. For more than 50 years, Credit Canada has been helping Canadians get out of debt and back into life through financial education and debt resolution. As a national, non-profit organization, Credit Canada has helped thousands become debt-free and achieve financial wellness. Note: The webinar is intended to provide general information only. Credit Canada: X , Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, Website All attendees who complete the post-webinar survey can enter a draw to win an Ontario Caregiver Organization prize. This draw will be held the week following the webinar […]