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.

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

• Employment and Social Development Canada - Information for Caregivers Find federal, provincial and some municipal information about the services, benefits, programs and initiatives relevant to caregivers in Saskatchewan.
• Caregiver Information and Support: This centre offers seminars and support, as well as resources and services to help support caregivers. Caregiver counselling: 306-655-3400
• Acquired Brain Injury Partnership: The Saskatchewan Brain Injury Association (SBIA) runs many support groups and recreation programs throughout the province.

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.