Ontario Caregiver Organization

The Ontario Caregiver Organization proudly presents a guest webinar for Mental Health Week . The webinar is being presented by Sam Miller, President of Sam Miller Consulting. Mr. Miller is a registered psychotherapist with extensive experience in Trauma Response and Treatment and Wellness Initiatives. This event explores the many aspects of grief as it relates to the mental health and well being of caregivers. In a deep discussion about coping, loss and trauma; participants will explore the different ways in which we process grief and how we can overcome the challenges that arise during these difficult times.

This week's theme: We want to hear from you! 

Grab a cup of coffee and join our weekly fireside chat with The March of Dimes.

Caring for a family member or friend can be a lonely experience. Connect with others who understand in our weekly fireside chat.

To ensure we meet the needs of caregivers we want to know what caregivers need most to not only survive but to thrive.

What are your needs during this current pandemic?  What type of online programming do you want as a caregiver?

Meet with other caregivers and chat about supports, resources and how everyone is coping during this pandemic.

Social distancing, while necessary during the COVID-19 pandemic, creates challenges for caregivers to connect with loved ones amid an unprecedented time of global health and economic crises.  Join Dr. Nasreen Khatri to learn how to optimize social connection with loved ones and and get the emotional support you need and deserve now as a caregiver. 

In this session, we will learn how to utilize the mind-body connection to bring relaxation, self-compassion and overall mindfulness to our experiences. There is significant research demonstrating the positive impact of practicing mindfulness techniques on one’s emotional health and ability to cope with ongoing stress. This will be explored in the context of the caregiver role.

The transition into the role of Caregiver comes in the form of three stages. Flowing through these stages, at different points of a caregiver’s experience, each stage has its own emotional challenges and growth experiences. This week we will explore the stages of the caregiver experience, the shifts it brings to your relationship with your care recipient, and we will begin discussing shifts you can make to improve your experience as a caregiver.

Relationships, especially close relationships, are complicated. Many factors further complicate the relationship between yourself and the person you are caring for. Enhancing our understanding of the other’s personal experience and internalizing empathy, as well as determining healthy boundaries, helps to maintain health within otherwise complex relational dynamics. These topics, as well as a communication toolbox, will be explored in this week of the program.

The stress of caring for a person with an illness can take both a physical and mental toll on a caregiver. In this session, you will begin to understand how the nervous system responds during this time, and how this can be both helpful and harmful to the body. The difference between stress and burnout will be discussed, as well as key signs of when to seek outside help.