This year, the Ontario Caregiver Organization has partnered with The Change Foundation in its Spotlight on Ontario’s Caregivers Report, the annual survey of caregivers from across the province.
This report collects information on who caregivers are caring for, what tasks caregivers are responsible for, where caregivers are turning for information and support, how caregiving impacts the lives of both the caregiver and the care receiver, how caregivers feel about their role as part of the healthcare team, and what additional supports or information could help caregivers in their role.
The report indicates that 77% of respondents want one place to go for information and support. To address this need, OCO launched the 24/7 Caregiver Helpline. A dedicated resource for all caregivers, regardless of age, diagnosis or where they live. OCO will continue to use the Spotlight Report to guide its work and co-design new supports and services with caregivers.