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Jun 23, 2026

2025-2026 Impact Report

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A Turning Point

The stories shared in this report highlight what becomes possible when we work together. Discover the positive change that’s happening for caregivers across Ontario.

207,000

caregiver encounters,* demonstrating continued growth in demand for programs and services

4 in 5

caregivers felt better able to cope after accessing an OCO program

86%

of social prescribing participants reported improved mental well-being

8,038

caregivers registered for the SCALE Program

525

healthcare organizations connected with the Essential Care Partner Support Hub since 2023

8,230

healthcare providers reached through Essential Care Partner Support Hub education activities

* Encounters are defined as engagement, information, education, or support provided to a caregiver or professional intermediaries through a variety of activities, programs, and services.

Read our 2025-2026 Impact Report

This year, OCO connected with more caregivers than ever before through direct programs, community partnerships, and a growing network of healthcare organizations embedding caregiver-inclusive practices into their work.

OCO had a record number of caregiver encounters, with each providing an opportunity to reduce distress and change the trajectory of the individual caregiving experience.

Caregiver Impact

“The moment the first SCALE webinar began, it was like an arrow straight to the heart. I was in a room with caregivers from all walks of life and for the first time, I didn’t feel alone.”

— SCALE Together™ Participant

There’s been a noticeable shift. More healthcare organizations are recognizing caregivers as part of the care team. System partners are seeking OCO’s expertise and increasingly bringing caregivers to the table in meaningful ways. The seeds planted over years of purposeful effort are taking root.

The time is now to harness this momentum and make meaningful and lasting change for all caregivers across the province.

OCO 2025-26 Turning Point Impact Report cover — caregiver supporting elderly family member.
Find out what’s changed in the 2025-2026 Impact Report

Improving the lives of Ontario’s Caregivers

Why it matters

4.2M

caregivers in Ontario

69%

feel so burnt out they don’t know if they can keep going

6.5M

projected caregivers in Ontario by 2030

Every day, caregivers across Ontario show up for someone who needs them: a parent, a partner, a friend, a neighbour – providing physical and emotional support, often at significant cost to their own health, finances, and overall well-being.

Caregivers provide up to 90% of the care in the health system. They tell us they need it to be easier. They want a health system that recognizes them as part of the care team, and they need support for their own health and wellness. Supporting them is essential to health system transformation. That’s why we do what we do.

The work ahead is ambitious. Finding new ways to reach caregivers before they hit their breaking point is critical.

We will continue to grow programs like SCALE and SCALE Together™, Social Prescribing, and the Essential Care Partner Support Hub. As the number of caregivers in Ontario grows toward 6.5 million by 2030, we are continuing our work with caregivers and system leaders to drive change while bringing new programs and services to caregivers who need support

Past Reports

Our Impact Over the Years

Curious to learn more? Read about how our impact has evolved in our past reports.
2024-2025 Impact Report
  • 7 min
  • (7 MB)
Download
2023-2024 Impact Report
  • 10 min
  • (16 MB)
Download
2022-2023 Impact Report
  • 6 min
  • (11 MB)
Download
2021-2022 Impact Report
  • 6 min
  • (9 MB)
Download

Right now, a caregiver in Ontario is wondering if they can keep going.

Donate

Four million Ontarians are caring for a loved one and 69% say they’re not sure they can continue. They’re exhausted, and they need help.

Your gift to the Ontario Caregiver Organization connects caregivers with free, compassionate support.

Every caregiver deserves to know they’re not alone. Donate today.

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Most of us, at some point in our lives, will be a caregiver to someone close to us. A caregiver provides physical and/or emotional support to a family member, partner, friend, or neighbour. Who do you care for?