Volume 28 | APRIL 2022
Celebrate National Caregiver Day!
April 5th is National Caregiver Day. The pandemic has made the role of the caregiver harder than ever before, physically, mentally, emotionally and financially impacting the caregiver responsibilities. More caregivers are investing 10+ hours per week caring for a family member, neighbour or friend facing a physical or mental health challenge. More caregivers say they are exhausted, overwhelmed and worried. Half say their mental health is worse than a year ago and 58% say they are burnt out.

On National Caregiver Day, the OCO has collaboratives in place to thank family caregivers and let them know we see you, we hear you and we’re here to help. The OCO is dedicated to empowering and strengthening the caregiving community so that it is better understood and has the necessary support for caregivers to thrive.
Reminder: OCO Needs Your Feedback
Have you participated in an OCO program in the last 12 months?

If so, we would love to hear your feedback! Please take a few minutes to complete our anonymous and confidential Caregiver Feedback Survey. The Survey ends April 8, 2022.

Your feedback is vital to guide and improve OCO programming. Thank you for taking the time to share your valuable input.
Time To Talk Podcast: Listen to Season 2!
OCO’s Time to Talk Podcast returns for another exciting season. Join our host Michelle Jobin along with subject matter experts and caregivers to discuss things that matter most, including mental health, wellness and many more. 

Whether you are new to caregiving, or an experienced caregiver, this podcast has something for you.
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National Volunteer Appreciation Week
The OCO celebrates its extraordinary volunteers this week in recognition of National Volunteer Appreciation Week; an annual event that puts the focus on the contributions of volunteers.

Caregiver volunteers are the heart of our organization. Thank you for your on-going contribution in helping us provide programs and services to Ontario caregivers. We could not do our work without your help!
Iffat’s Caregiver Experience as a Peer Mentor
Meet Iffat, one of our dedicated volunteers who has been with us for more than a year, supporting caregivers as a Peer Mentor. Here is what she has to say about her experience as a volunteer:

“Mentoring my caregiver mentees as a 1:1 Peer Mentor is one of my best life experiences. While, on the one hand, there is immense satisfaction to guide mentees in their difficult life situations and encourage problem-solving in them, on the other hand, it is a great learning experience. I learned that active listening is a part of effective communication. This experience has enhanced my emotional intelligence to be a voice of kindness and compassion for them whenever they felt burnt out”
Upcoming OCO webinars
April 7: Dancing with Dementia: Fostering Social Inclusion and Challenging Stigma

Dance may not be the first thing that comes to mind when thinking about caring for someone living with dementia, but the opportunity to dance has a lot to offer both the care recipient and the caregiver. Beyond the physical benefits of dance, this webinar will explore the ways in which dance fosters social-inclusion for people living with dementia, challenges the stigma often associated with dementia, and supports the creation of dementia-friendly communities. The session will also offer ways in which dance may be accessed by people living with dementia and their caregivers, and provide a brief demonstration of what an accessible dance opportunity can look and feel like.

*This presentation will be in English and available as a recording after the event.
May 3: Boost Your Well-Being with A Nature Prescription

Deepen your connection with nature! Join us during Mental Health Week (May 2-8) for an interactive discussion with Dr. Melissa Lem about the benefits of spending time outdoors.


Caregivers and those they care for will learn about:

  • Science-proven mental and physical health benefits of nature, and how including “green time” in your schedule can help our planet
  • Tips on how to fit outdoor time into your busy routine
  • The “Park Prescription Program” (PaRx), now available in Ontario

Register for this exclusive webinar to find out how you can get your nature prescription.

*This presentation will be in English and available as a recording after the event.
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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