Provincial Caregiving Organizations & Resources
British Columbia
Family Caregivers of British Columbia (FCBC)
The FCBC is a very active not-for-profit society supporting caregivers in southern Vancouver Island. The society runs support groups for caregivers in Victoria, Sydney, and Salt-Spring Island, which run either weekly or monthly on a drop-in basis. You can also sign-up to join online support groups and watch their online caregiving video series, which shares short clips and tips for caregivers. Also on their website, you can find an extensive collection of resources on Vancouver Island, including community health services, home support, housing, grocery delivery, medication delivery, and meal services, among others.
Alberta
Family Caregiver Centre – Alberta Health Services
The Family Caregiver Center operates in Calgary. It helps caregivers find accurate and up-to-date information and connect them with existing health care and community services. With supportive counseling available and monthly support groups, they also offer an understanding and supportive person to talk with. The center provides several educational opportunities including a speaker series, newsletters, and a library with books, videos, and articles for loan and regular newsletters are available.
http://www.albertahealthservices.ca/services.asp
Caregivers Alberta
Caregivers Alberta provides a number of programs and services dedicated to maintaining the health and wellness of caregivers. You can speak to a caregiver advisory who is there to listen, provide information, and help find resources and support. This association also provides workshops to help caregivers balance their own needs with the demands of their caregiving role. As well, they host community groups on a drop-in-basis to connect caregivers in the community and provide an opportunity to share experiences and resources.
Saskatchewan
Caregiver Information and Support – (Saskatoon Council on Aging)
This caregiver center is located in Downtown Saskatoon. Professional counseling is available in-person or on the phone for caregivers who are feeling overwhelmed or not sure of their next step. The center also hosts evening seminars for caregivers. You can stop by the downtown resource center or browse for resources on their website. Online, you can find information on healthy aging, fall prevention, family communication, long distance caregiving, Alzheimer’s, alternative living arrangements, and end of life.
http://www.saskatooncaregiver.ca/resources.html
Manitoba
Seniors Resource Network of Manitoba
The Seniors’ Resource Network is an online gateway to seniors’ information in Winnipeg and Manitoba. On the site you can find Manitoba-wide listings of senior organizations, various transportation options, meal programs, and health and housing resources among others.
Transportation Options Network for Senior (TONS)
TONS is a volunteer driven network to inform and educate Manitobans on transportation options for seniors. On their website, you can find information about public transportation options, volunteer driving programs, and taxi and ride-sharing services for people with disabilities.
Government of Manitoba – Resources for Residents
The Government of Manitoba provides a directory of resources and information available for caregivers. You can find information about a caregiver tax credit, family support services, health care services, and law, justice, and citizens’ rights.
www.residents.gov.mb.ca/reference.html
Ontario
Family Service Toronto – Seniors and Caregivers Support Services
The Seniors and Caregivers Support Service Unit provides social work services to older people and caregivers. The unit offers counseling in English and Spanish either over the phone or in person. They also offer group work, advocacy, and education seminars on topics including memory loss, anger and guilt, how to access community resources, and others.
www.familyservicetoronto.org/our-services/programs-and-services/seniors-and-caregivers/
Quebec
Regroupement des aidants naturels du Québec (RANQ)
RANQ has put together a comprehensive directory of caregiving groups, associations, and local organizations throughout the province of Quebec. On their website, you can find information about these groups, as well as two French-language guidebooks for caregivers in Quebec.
L’APPUI pour les proches aidants
L’APPUI is a not-for-profit organization helping to support caregivers throughout Quebec. On their website you can find a directory of resources and services in your region of Quebec. As well, you can browse articles and videos about being a caregiver, adapting to your role, caring for elderly persons, and maintaining your health and wellbeing. L’APPUI also runs a toll-free hotline for caregivers who need support, need help to find resources, or need to talk.
New Brunswick
New Brunswick Health
Visit the government of New Brunswick’s gateway for residents to find information and resources about health and basic needs.
Caregiver’s Guide
The government of New Brunswick’s social development website provides resources and information about a variety of services (including health services and social programs) available to its residents. They have also published a caregiver’s guidebook that provides guidance on various aspects of caregiving, and suggests practical ways for caregivers to help improve their quality of life and that of the person for whom they are caring.
Nova Scotia
Caregivers Nova Scotia
Caregivers Nova Scotia hosts support groups for caregivers in Halifax and Cape Breton. All caregivers are welcome—the groups are neither age- nor disease-specific.
Prince Edward Island
Health PEI
The Health PEI website provides information about healthcare in PEI, including a directory of hospitals, health centers, walk-in clinics, and long-term care facilities throughout the province. You can find listings of community programs and services provided throughout the province.
PEI Department of Health – Living a healthy life
PEI’s Department of Health and Wellness provides a 6-week healthy living program for people with ongoing health problems, and their caregivers. The weekly sessions cover a range of topics relevant to caregivers, including eating healthy, exercise, managing pain, medications, coping with fatigue, problem solving, and goal setting.
www.princeedwardisland.ca/en/information/health-pei/living-healthy-life-self-management-program
Newfoundland and Labrador
Senior Resource Centre Caregiver Support Program
The senior resource center hosts a toll-free telephone line available to everyone in Newfoundland and Labrador. On their website, you can find more information on family caregiving.
http://seniorsnl.ca/family-friend/family-friend-support/
Northern Canada
Health Canada Environmental Scan on respite care for caregivers in Canada (2003)