Caregiver support

Canada-wide

• Government of Canada - Employment Insurance Compassionate Care Benefits Compassionate care benefits are paid to people who have to be away from work temporarily to provide care or support to a family member.
• Canada caregiver credit: The Canada caregiver credit (CCC) is a non-refundable tax credit that you may can claim if you support a spouse, common-law partner or dependent who has a physical or mental impairment.
• Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA): CMHA facilitates access to the resources people require to maintain and improve mental health and community integration, build resilience, and support recovery from mental illness.
• Caregiving Matters: A forum for peer support allowing caregivers to share their stories, their journeys and celebrate the lives and gifts of loved ones.
• Heart & Stroke Caregiver Support Facebook Group: Join Heart & Stroke’s members-only Facebook group, “Care Supporters Community”, to connect, share and find support from fellow caregivers.
• March of Dimes Canada – Life Partners of people living with stroke: This online group offers a supportive space for life partners of people living with stroke to share the challenges and triumphs of caring for a loved one. Meetings are held from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. CT on the first and third Wednesday of each month.
• March of Dimes Canada – Caregivers of people living with stroke: This online group offers a safe and welcoming space for caregivers of people who have experienced a stroke to share experiences, offer advice, and receive emotional support. Meetings are held from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. CT on the second Tuesday of each month.

British Columbia

• Stroke Recovery Association of British Columbia has information and resources for caregivers
• Vancouver Coastal Health – Caregiver Support: Vancouver Coastal Health offers many home and community care services including respite care.
• Family Caregivers of BC: Find programs and services for family caregivers.

Alberta

• Distress Centre Calgary (DCC): The distress centre provides 24 hour crisis support, professional counselling and referrals - all at no cost.
• Alberta Health Services - Family Caregiver Centre: Caregiver support for anyone who gives unpaid care or assistance to an adult with a long term illness or disability.
• Carewest Dr. Vernon Fanning Centre – Respite Care: The Fanning Centre offers respite services to allow caregivers a chance to recharge.
• Caregivers Alberta: This association focuses on the caregiver as an individual by helping them maintain their well-being and offering support services.
• Stroke Recovery Association of Calgary – Caregiver’s Corner: An association that addresses the specific needs of stroke survivors and caregivers in dealing with their new lifestyle.
• Covenant House – Resources for Caregivers: An inventory of resources, services and support organizations that support caregivers in Alberta.

Saskatchewan

• Saskatchewan Association for the Rehabilitation of the Brain Injured – Family Support: This program supports the family members of people living with an acquired brain injury in Saskatoon and Regina. For information or advice, contact SARBI by phone or in person
• Saskatchewan Brain Injury Association - ABI Supporters Group: This group is an opportunity to meet virtually with other supporters who may be facing similar challenges. They meet from September to June via Zoom, on the fourth Monday of each month at 7 p.m.
  Email Sheri at: Sheri.Cole@saskhealthauthority.ca for Zoom Link. 
• Saskatoon Council on Aging – Caregiver Resources: This council offers support, resources, and services to help support caregivers in Saskatoon.

Manitoba

• Stroke Recovery Association of Manitoba: Direct support for people with stroke and their families.
• Age Friendly Manitoba: A Guide for the Caregiver: A comprehensive guide for caregivers. Includes a listing of caregiver organizations and resources.

Ontario

• VON’s Volunteer Caregiver education program and respite services: VON offers a caregiver support and education program in various cities across Ontario and Nova Scotia.
• West GTA Stroke Network- Community Resources: Downloadable community resource book with a listing of stroke resources available for residents of the West GTA.
• Family Service Toronto - Seniors and Caregiver’s Support Service (SCSS) The SCSS Unit at Family Service Toronto provides social work services to older people and caregivers.
• The Healthline: Enter your community name or a postal code to find health and community services in Ontario.
• Community Care Access Centres: Ontario's 14 Community Care Access Centres (CCACs), located across the province, assist people in getting the home and community care they need in their region.
• Ontario Ministry of Labour - Family Caregiver Leave: Family caregiver leave is unpaid, job-protected leave of up to eight weeks per calendar year per specified family member.
• The Caregiver Exchange: Services that support caregivers are available across Ontario.
• Ontario Caregiver Organization: This independent non-profit is funded by the Ministry of Health and operates the Ontario Caregiver Helpline 1-833-416-2273 CARE). 

Quebec

• Regroupement des aidantes et aidants naturels de Montréal: This organization provides general information and training for caregivers, gives information about their rights, and supports them.
• L'Appui pour les proches-aidants d’aînés: This organization supports caregivers by implementing and funding: information, training, psychosocial support and respite services offered by community organizations.
• Centre d'action bénévole: This organization provides services for caregivers.
• The Heart and Stroke Living with Stroke^TM program: This program is a community-based support and educational program designed for stroke survivors and their caregivers.  Phone: 1-888-473-4636
• Refundable Tax Credit for Caregivers: You can claim a refundable tax credit for caregivers if you are in one of the following situations: you are the caregiver of your elderly spouse who is unable to live alone; you provide housing for an eligible relative; you live with an eligible relative who is unable to live alone.

New Brunswick

• New Brunswick Social Development - Caregiver’s Guide: This guide offers practical information to individuals who are or anticipate becoming caregivers.

Nova Scotia

• Caregivers Nova Scotia: Find programs, services, and strong advocacy for caregivers.
• VON Volunteer Caregiver Support and Education Program: VON provides information, education and emotional support to family caregivers across Ontario and Nova Scotia.
• Tri County Women’s Centre: A listing of services and resources in Nova Scotia including resources for caregivers.

Prince Edward Island

• Health PEI – Caregiver Handbook: This handbook is written to provide some ideas about caring for a stroke survivor and offer resources for caregivers.
• PEI Organized Stroke Care Program: The services provided for stroke survivors by the province in PEI, Including PEI organized stroke care. Phone: (902) 368-6527
• Government of PEI - Caregivers’ Information: The government of PEI provides a comprehensive overview of provincial services and support available to caregivers.

Newfoundland and Labrador

• Newfoundland & Labrador Health and Community Services: Community support programs offered through the regional health authorities.
• Newfoundland & Labrador Seniors, Wellness and Social Development: Information on a variety of programs and services available to seniors and other individuals throughout the province.
• Seniors NL Resource Centre: SRC NL provides information for caregivers as well as a caregiver’s guide.
• Newfoundland and Labrador Paid Family Caregiving Program: The organization enhances long term care and community support services by offering persons in need of care the option to hire and pay a family member to provide the essential service.
• AlwaysHome Homecare – Newfoundland Ladies: Commonly referred to as the Newfoundland Ladies, Always Home’s live-in home care provides around the clock care to those who need it most.
• Caregivers Out of Isolation: Offers information and support for people of all ages who are providing unpaid care and support to a family member or friend. Toll free: 1-888-571-2273 

Northwest Territories

• Northwest Territories Seniors’ Society: The Society provides information, acts as a resource and support for seniors and elders across the NWT and their infoline helps with accessing local resources. Phone: 1-800-661-0878

Yukon

• Yukon Health and Social Services - Continuing Care: Health and Social Services offers various resources including respite care, palliative care, home care, and other resources for caregivers.

Related information

Services and resources home page

If you know of a resource that should be included or you identify an error please contact us.

Inclusion of a website or organization in the listing does not constitute an endorsement by Heart & Stroke. The opinions and views expressed on a website or external source material are independent from those of Heart & Stroke. You are responsible for obtaining appropriate medical advice from a physician or other qualified healthcare professional prior to acting upon any information available through this listing.