According to Statistics Canada, 7.8 million Canadians (about 25% of the population), care for a friend or family member. And while being a caregiver can be hugely rewarding, it can also be a lot of pressure and responsibility. To help caregivers find the support they need, we’ve put together a list of useful resources.

Online resources for caregivers

There are a wealth of resources online for caregivers, such as Caregiving Matters, a Canadian charity whose mission is to provide education and support to carers. Their website offers a wide range of resources, including a podcast, information directory, and their Dear Mary series. Dear Mary allows caregivers to write in and receive comprehensive advice on topics ranging from caregiver burnout to disagreements over care decisions and coping with change. 

If you care for someone with a specific illness, an organization that focuses on their particular condition may provide more pertinent information. Examples of these organizations include:

• Parkinson Canada
• Alzheimer Society of Canada
• ALS Society of Canada

Financial Support

Another important area of support is financial assistance. There are a range of benefits and tax credits that careers may be eligible for.

• Employment Insurance Caregiver Benefits

These benefits provide financial assistance to those who can’t work for a period of time because they’re caring for a critically ill or injured person, or someone needing end-of-life care. You could be entitled to up to 55% of your salary, up to a maximum of $638 a week.

• Employer benefits & assistance for caregivers

Try talking to your employer about their health care plan, as it may cover some medically related caregiving expenses.

• Tax credits for caregivers

Tax credits reduce the amount of tax you have to pay. If you’re a caregiver, there are a range of tax credits you may be eligible for.

• Canada Caregiver Credit

Tax credit for people who care for a spouse, common-law partner, or dependent with a physical or mental impairment.

• Disability Tax Credit

Tax credit for Canadians with disabilities and those who support them.

• Medical Expense Tax Credit

Tax credit for your medical expenses, or those of your spouse or common-law partner.

• Seniors’ Home Safety Tax Credit (Ontario)

Tax credit available in Ontario if you or a relative you live with is over 65 and you need to make modifications to your home to make it safer and more accessible.

• Home renovation tax credit for seniors and persons with disabilities (BC)

Similar to the Seniors’ Home Safety Tax Credit in Ontario, this is available in British Columbia and applies to people with disabilities under 65 as well as over 65s.

• To find out more about what financial assistance is available in your area, reach out to the local constituency office of your provincial government or federal Member of Parliament. They will be able to provide the most up-to-date information and help you with applications.

Mental health support

Caring for a loved one long term can be taxing on your mental health, so getting emotional support is vital.

• Employee Assistance Program

Your employer may offer an Employee Assistance Program. This is a confidential service to help you manage issues in your personal life, such as caring for a loved one. If you’re employed, try talking to your manager or HR department and ask about what support they offer.

• Local support groups

Talking to other people who are going through a similar experience to you can help you feel less alone, so try finding a local carers group. Searching online or checking out your local library are good places to start.

• Online support groups

If you aren’t able to find a group in your area that you can attend in person, you might be able to find an online support group on a social media platform such as Facebook.

Caregivers play an essential role in the wellbeing of their loved one. However, if you’re a caregiver, it’s also important to take into account your own wellbeing. We hope that these resources help you find the support you need.

The information presented in this blog post is designed for educational purposes only. You should not rely on any information on this post as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, treatment, or as a substitute for professional counseling care. If you have any concerns or questions about your health, you should always consult with a physician or other healthcare professional.

Resources

https://www.canada.ca/en/services/benefits/ei/caregiving.html

https://www.tevacanada.com/en/canada/support-for-caregivers/caregiver-support/

https://www.canada.ca/en/financial-consumer-agency/services/caring-someone-ill/benefits-tax-credits-caregivers.html

https://www.comfortlife.ca/retirement-communities/caregiver-resources

https://www.ontario.ca/document/guide-programs-and-services-seniors/caregiving

https://srv138.services.gc.ca/daf/s/7dc2cefc-458d-405d-8fb0-4992e6c1e16b?GoCTemplateCulture=en-CA

https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/tax/individuals/topics/about-your-tax-return/tax-return/completing-a-tax-return/deductions-credits-expenses/canada-caregiver-amount.html

https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/tax/individuals/topics/about-your-tax-return/tax-return/completing-a-tax-return/deductions-credits-expenses/lines-33099-33199-eligible-medical-expenses-you-claim-on-your-tax-return.html

https://caregivingmatters.ca/

https://www.caregiverexchange.ca/Services/