Volume 36 | JANUARY 2023
Caregiving in Year 3 of the Pandemic
A lot has changed since we published our previous Spotlight Report. Most Ontarians are vaccinated, Covid-19 restrictions have eased, and many programs and services have re-opened. What hasn’t changed is the impact caregiving is having on caregivers. There are far too many Ontarians struggling to cope physically and emotionally.

Our health care system is in crisis. There are fewer nurses and personal support workers which adds more pressure on caregivers to deliver care that would otherwise fall to a health care professional. Many caregivers find themselves on the brink of collapse, feeling helpless and burnt out. In fact, 63% of caregivers say they reached their breaking point over the past year but still had to keep going.

As always, the Ontario Caregiver Organization is here to support caregivers with its free direct-to-caregiver programs and services, including 1:1 and group peer support, caregiver coaching, educational resources, a 24/7 helpline and more. OCO also works actively with healthcare system partners and beyond to help influence policy and practice changes that address common concerns and challenges faced by caregivers.
January is Alzheimer’s Awareness Month
As Canada’s aging population continues to grow, the number of people living with Alzheimer’s disease is also on the rise. According to Alzheimer Society’s Navigating the Path Forward for Dementia in Canada: The Landmark Study Report #1, we can expect close to 1 million individuals to be living with dementia by 2030.

As a caregiver who cares for those with Alzheimer’s or related dementia, it is important to care for your own health and wellbeing.

  • Expand your circle of support: think about the tasks you do everyday and where you may be able to get help from family members, friends or local home and community care services.
  • Try to take a break each day, stay active and enjoy the health benefits of being out in nature. and spend time outdoors.  

Discover our webinar library for a variety of videos on Alzheimer/dementia:
Understanding Behaviour Changes in Dementia
Dementia causes a rapid change in emotions, moods, and behaviour for people living with the disease. These changes are due to how the person experiences their surroundings, as they may become confused, angry, suspicious, fearful, and withdrawn. Often, these personality changes are a major source of distress to the person with the disease. It will also take a tremendous toll on a caregiver’s physical and emotional health. In our recent webinar, we discussed and explored ways for caregivers to manage these behaviour changes, including local programs and services available to support you.
SCALE Programs Returns on February 7, 2023
OCO’s SCALE program (Supporting Caregiver Awareness, Learning and Empowerment) is back by popular demand. The program aims to empower caregivers with practical information and skills to focus on their mental health and well-being needs. You will receive the following:

  • Weekly webinars (LIVE or RECORDED) divided into two 4-week sessions
  • 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 first come, first-served basis.

Learn more about SCALE.
Upcoming Webinars
Caregiving Strategies: Caring & Supporting Adults Living with Heart Failure
Date: Thursday, February 9, 2023
Time: 12 p.m. – 1 p.m. ET
Get Ready for Tax Season with Canada Revenue Agency  
Date: Wednesday, February 22, 2023
Time: 12 p.m. – 1 p.m. ET *LIVE ONLY*
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. 
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