Supporting Caregivers in Primary Care - Ontario Caregiver

There are four million caregivers in Ontario—people caring for caring for family members, partners, friends, and neighbours.

Many caregivers experience stress, burnout and find it difficult to continue in their caregiving role.

Caregivers Are At Risk

Caregivers are at risk of experiencing isolation, depression, and long-term health conditions. This poses a risk to the health and well-being of the caregivers themselves, and of the person they support.

Adding to the issue is the fact that many caregivers face barriers to support or are unaware that help is available.

Caregivers Need Support

Primary care providers are uniquely positioned to identify caregivers that need support.

How can primary care providers make a difference for caregivers now?

Ask caregivers how they are doing
Connect caregivers to the Ontario Caregiver Helpline
Screen and assess caregivers to better understand their needs
Connect them to supports and resources
- You can provide postcards in English, French, Cantonese, Mandarin, Punjabi, Tagalog, and Tamil.
- To help caregivers in rural and remote communities, here are simple strategies to support their well-being.

Additional resources:

Tip Sheet for Providers

Health Promotion in Action

Caregiver Needs Assessment and Support in Primary Care Guidance Document and Fillable Chart

Health Privacy & Consent Resources

OCO Resources for Supporting Caregivers

OCO In Your Community

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Related Resources

Find useful resources on this topic.

Resource Library

Caregivers are Essential in Primary Care

5 mins
(525 KB)

Download

Health Promotion in Action

12 mins
(9 MB)

Download

Tip Sheet for Providers

2 mins
(7 MB)

Download

OCO Resources for Supporting Caregivers

5 min
(197 KB)

Download

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Essential Care Partner Support Hub Overview

Find resources and tools to help integrate caregivers into a hospital setting.

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

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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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