The Ontario Caregiver Helpline is a one-stop resource for information and referrals connecting caregivers to the support you need. This might include respite, a support group in your community or programs for the person you care for.

The Ontario Caregiver helpline is not a crisis or counselling line.

If you are in crisis and need immediate assistance, please call 911 for a medical emergency or 988 for a mental health crisis.

The Helpline is answered by professional Community Resource Specialists in English and French. Interpretation services are available in 150 languages upon request. Helpline Specialists are trained to understand the unique needs of caregivers.

Helpline is designed for caregivers in Ontario who need support services or information for themselves or the person they care for.

Service providers can also use the helpline to find information for their patient/client.

We offer two ways to access the helpline:

1) Call 1-833-416-2273 (CARE) to speak to a helpline Community Resource Specialist. We are available 24/7 by phone.

2) Use our Online live chat feature, found at the top right of this webpage. The chat is available Monday to Friday 7am-9pm EST

We do not offer counselling or crisis support on the Helpline. We do offer you an opportunity to describe the help you need and match you with information and support services in your community. We can also provide referrals to crisis and counselling support in your area.

When you access Helpline, a community resource specialist answers your call 24/7 or your online chat request Monday-Friday 7am-9pm EST.

We will ask you for some non-identifying information like the name of your city or town or postal code which helps us find the service or information you need.

On a phone call, we will listen and provide you with referral details or information while you are on the line. We can also send you an email outlining what we spoke about.

If you prefer to connect through our live chat feature, we will read through the information you share and provide you with information directly through the chat portal.

We do our best to find what you need in our extensive database and will also let you know about other programs and resources offered by the Ontario Caregiver Organization that may be helpful for you.  However, there are times when we will not have a referral match for you.

You will be offered a follow up call when a referral is provided. If you accept the offer for a follow up, we will contact you within two to three weeks to see if the referral was helpful and ask if you need further assistance.

No, this is a free and confidential service. We will ask you for your postal code to help find services near you. If you consent to a follow up call, you can provide your first name, so we know who to contact.

Yes! Our service is free to caregivers supporting a family member, friend, or neighbour. We are funded by the Government of Ontario.