Working caregivers in Ontario can receive free support from OCO to plan conversations with employers, explore time off and flexible work options, and manage work alongside care.
If you find it hard to balance work and caregiving, you are not alone.
OCO’s free Work and Caregiving: Work and Caregiving: A Balancing Act Toolkit helps working caregivers plan changes at work and prepare to talk with an employer. It includes:
Learn more about building your support network, OCO’s resources, and strategies to better balance demands and find support options.
The return to workplaces is putting a strain on caregivers. The CEO of The Ontario Caregiver Organization, Amy Coupal, joined us with what needs to be done.
Learn how to use the Toolkit for Working Caregivers: Work & Caregiving – A Balancing Act, inspired by working caregivers, their stories, and their unique experiences.
Michelle Jobin is joined by author Alanna McGinn. The two take an extensive look into McGinn’s work including the #BringBackBedTime initiative, her studies on how a healthy lifestyle can affect sleep, and how important sleep can be for a caregiver.
Dr. Patrick McGrath, a Clinical Psychologist and an Emeritus Professor of Psychiatry at Dalhousie University. In this episode, he talks about medical and psychological treatments for PTSD, and resources caregivers can access to help with this.
A conversation can open the door to more flexibility or benefits and gives the opportunity for your manager to be supportive. You may prefer to start the discussion with your HR department. Planning ahead is critical. Take the time to think about what you want to share, what you are asking for, and how to make your request in a way that increases your chances of a good outcome. Under the Employee Standards Act in Ontario, you may be eligible for unpaid, job-protected leave through Family Caregiver Leave, Family Medical Leave, or Critical Illness Leave. For more information: ontario.ca and search “Your Guide to Employment Standards Act”. To talk through a specific situation, contact the Ontario Caregiver Helpline at 1-833-416-2273 or by chat.
Yes. You may be eligible to receive financial assistance through EI to help you take time away from work to provide care or support to a child or adult who is critically ill or injured. For more information: canada.ca and search “Caregiving Benefits and Leave”
Start with reviewing or asking about your employer’s HR policies and benefits. Speaking with your manager, HR, or a union rep can help. Employers may offer a range of programs and resources for employees including: EAP (employee assistance programs) may include care referral services or counselling, permission for employees to be reachable at work by personal phone/text/email, access to a private room for caregiving conversations, emergency Elder Care or back-up care, on-site Lunch and Learns, referrals or online information about caregiving resources.
Time off isn’t the only option. Depending on the workplace, changes like flexible hours, working from home, or reduced hours may be possible. OCO’s free Toolkit for Working Caregivers can help you plan what to ask for, and the Managing Work and Care: What Can Help webinar covers how to prepare for the conversation with your employer.
Listing the tasks you manage can show where others could help, such as family, friends, or neighbours. Community services like respite care and home care may also be available. The Ontario Caregiver Helpline can help you find services. Call 1-833-416-2273 or reach out by chat.
No, your employer cannot penalize or threaten you for taking a legitimate, job-protected family caregiver leave under the Ontario Employment Standards Act.
Jennifer
Caring for: Sons
Jennifer shares her story about caring for her two young sons with complex needs. She talks about caregiving while working full-time and the importance of taking time for herself.
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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.
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