Are you a caregiver?
Physical distancing can contribute to feelings of isolation and loneliness. This is true for family caregivers and the person they support.
Discussion will be driven by caregivers and facilitation will be done by an OCO staff member and/or OCO trained volunteer on the following days:
Tuesday between 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. (currently full)
Wednesday between 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. (currently full)
Wednesday between 2pm – 3pm (currently full)
Thursday between 2 pm – 3 pm (spaces open for registration)
Friday 10:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m. (spaces open for registration) – offered bi-weekly on the first and third Friday of the month
All discussions are completely confidential.
Connect with other caregivers. Register today.
If these times don’t fit your schedule or you’d like to find out about other supports and programs offered by OCO, contact us at info@ontariocaregiver.ca
You can also join our mailing list to receive news as soon as new online support groups or other programs become available.
Are you a caregiver?
Physical distancing can contribute to feelings of isolation and loneliness. This is true for family caregivers and the person they support.
Discussion will be driven by caregivers and facilitation will be done by an OCO staff member and/or OCO trained volunteer on the following days:
Tuesday between 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. (currently full)
Wednesday between 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. (currently full)
Wednesday between 2pm – 3pm (currently full)
Thursday between 2 pm – 3 pm (spaces open for registration)
Friday 10:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m. (spaces open for registration) – offered bi-weekly on the first and third Friday of the month
All discussions are completely confidential.
Connect with other caregivers. Register today.
If these times don’t fit your schedule or you’d like to find out about other supports and programs offered by OCO, contact us at info@ontariocaregiver.ca
You can also join our mailing list to receive news as soon as new online support groups or other programs become available.
A webinar on the challenges and supports for kin, adoptive parents and caregivers.
About this event
In this webinar, adoptive and kinship parents and other caregivers caring for children who may be at higher risk for mental health challenges will learn about issues they may face and how to get the support they need along this caregiving journey.
Whether you are caring for a baby or older child, adopted locally or internationally, caregivers experience some common issues. Join our speakers, Helen Dawkes-Brown and Tanice Donaldson, as they help you understand the challenges, gain insights on the adoption and permanency journey, and learn about support services and how to access them. Come prepared with your questions and leave with a better understanding of how you can be supported to achieve permanency for the children you care for so that they may reach their full potential.
Our Speakers:
Helen Dawkes-Brown, B.A., B.S.W. RSW, Private Adoption Social Worker
Helen has worked in the field of adoption for almost 30 years, both with the Children’s Aid Society and private sector, as well as international adoptions. She has been a presenter on various adoption topics, an expert witness in court on matters of adoption, and has facilitated adoption support groups. Helen is also the Chairperson for the Private Adoption Practitioners of Eastern Ontario and has served on several Provincial government committees regarding adoption issues.
Nicole Renaud, Regional Parent Liaison, Western Region, Adopt4Life
Nicole is a mother to five amazing children through birth and adoption. She has experience in areas that include public adoption, sibling group adoption, foster to adopt and openness. Her family enjoys and values openness with her children’s siblings and their extended family. She has parenting experience with Tourette Syndrome, learning disabilities, cognitive delays, ADHD, SPD, NAS, PANS/PANDAS, mental health challenges, developmental delays and complex trauma. Nicole has a degree in Psychology and Family and Social Relations. She has advocated for her children within the school system and with health professionals across Canada for services, diagnoses and supports. Nicole is dedicated to supporting the needs of children and families.
Please note that this presentation is available in English only.
Cette présentation sera diffusée en anglais seulement. Pour toute difficulté avec votre inscription ou pour toute question, veuillez nous écrire un courriel à l’adresse info@ontariocaregiver.ca
Pour de l’information sur nos programmes et services en français, visitez
www.aidantsontario.ca our communiquez avec nous par courriel à info@ontariocaregiver.ca.
For any difficulty with registration or any other questions, please contact us at info@ontariocaregiver.ca or call 1-888-877-1626 X 1011
Registration on Eventbrite:
The Ontario Caregiver Organization (OCO) exists to improve the lives of caregivers across Ontario. If you are a family/friend caregiver, work in the health or social services sector, or are an employer of caregivers, this Virtual Open House will provide valuable information about our free resources, programs, and services for caregivers. Join us for an informative session to find out more about our programs and services listed here!
-Information & Resources for caregivers and providers
-Education Programs
-Caregiver Peer Support
-How to get involved
The Ontario Caregiver Organization is funded by the Ministry of Health and was established in 2018 in response to the need to expand caregiver support in Ontario. Caregiver needs are at the core of all our programs and services.
Our Speakers
Katie Muirhead is the Regional Lead reaching out to communities and caregivers across western Ontario. Katie has lived experience as a caregiver in the areas of mental health and addictions, autism spectrum disorders and aging populations
Felicia White is the Program and Service Lead for OCO’s Workplace and Helpline programs, she also oversees the Caregiver Support Team.
Kathleen Slemon is the Program Lead, Peer Support and oversees the 1:1 Peer Support Program, Online Support Groups and Young
Caregiver supports.
Clayo Laanemets is the Program Lead for Mental Health & Wellbeing at OCO. She oversees the SCALE program and the development of resources and supports for caregivers’ mental health and caregivers of mental illness and addictions. Clayo was a young caregiver to a family member with schizophrenia, so she is passionate about reducing system barriers for caregivers and their families and advocating for changes within mental health care.
Please note that this presentation is available in English only.
Cette présentation sera diffusée en anglais seulement. Pour toute difficulté avec votre inscription ou pour toute question, veuillez nous écrire un courriel à l’adresse info@ontariocaregiver.ca
Pour de l’information sur nos programmes et services en français, visitez www.aidantsontario.ca our communiquez avec nous par courriel à info@ontariocaregiver.ca.
For any difficulty with registration or any other questions, please contact us at info@ontariocaregiver.ca or call 1-888-877-1626 X 1011Registration on Eventbrite:
SCALE Program (Support for Caregivers Awareness, Learning, Empowerment) nurtures mental health and wellness for caregivers
About this event
The SCALE Program aims to empower caregivers with practical information and skills to focus on their own mental health and well-being. Participants will receive strategies, tools, and resources to better cope with difficult caregiving emotions.
Our Program
Weekly Psychoeducational Webinars
Webinars are divided into two 4-week sessions, see session 2 topics listed below.
You can sign up for the entire session or individual weeks, depending on your availability and/or interest.
Watch live or recorded. All live webinars have been recorded and will be posted exclusively on the Ontario Caregiver Organization YouTube channel after the live event. Only registered participants will be emailed a link after the webinar.
Online Group Coaching and Individual Counselling
Counselling is free and confidential as well as optional to register for.
Spaces are limited, and registration is based on a first-come, first-served basis.
To receive the maximum benefit from the group and individual counselling, it is highly encouraged to also take part in the weekly webinars.
Registration
A zoom link to join live will be emailed to those who register.
An online booking link will also be sent to everyone who registers with the opportunity to register for group and/or individual counselling through Dynamic Health.
Other Information
Frequently Asked Questions
For more information, please visit The Scale Program on our website
Please contact info@ontariocaregiver.ca with any questions about participating in this webinar.
This program is brought to you in partnership with the Ontario Caregiver Organization and Dynamic Health.
Please note that all live webinars are from 12 p.m – 1 p.m Eastern Time
SESSION 2: STRATEGIES FOR CAREGIVERS MENTAL WELLBEING
The following topics will be explored each week:
Week 1: Become a Mindful Caregiver (November 2nd)
Explore the seven attitudes of mindfulness and how this can be integrated into your caregiving relationship.
In this session, we will explore practical suggestions to activate your parasympathetic nervous system to trigger a state of relaxation, while learning mindfulness-based exercises you can easily do at home as a caregiver. We also learn and unpack the seven attitudes of mindfulness to help you within your caregiving relationship: (1) non-judgement, (2) patience, (3) A beginner’s mind, (4) trust, (5) non-striving, (6) acceptance and (7) and letting go.
Week 2: The Self-Compassionate Caregiver (November 9th)
Manage your inner critic through developing your soothing self.
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. Together, we will explore the meaning of self-compassion and its three components: (1) notice your suffering, (2) treat yourself with kindness and (3) remembering that you are human. You will walk away with practical tips and strategies to incorporate self-compassion into your life and caregiving role.
Week 3: Find Your Caregiving Strengths (November 16th)
Explore the top attributes and resources that you already possess that enable you to succeed in your caregiving role.
In this session, you will learn about your own character strengths, understand how they impact your caregiving role, and learn how to maximize these strengths to bring about hope and well-being. You will learn about the 24-character strengths in the Values in Action Model and understand how we can overuse or underuse them. You will have the opportunity to take a free survey to discover your own character strengths based on the science of well-being and learn how your strengths can empower you within your caregiving role. You will also learn how to start noticing strengths in others, particularly your care recipient, and how this can impact your relationship.
Week 4: Time for Self-Care while Caregiving (November 23rd)
Explore strategies on how to integrate psychological and physical tools to manage your mental health daily.
In this session, you will learn the concept of self-care and the repercussions of not prioritizing some time for yourself as a caregiver. Together, we will explore the ABC’s of self-care, as well as, its five dimensions and suggestions to improve each dimension: (1) professional self-care, (2) spiritual self-care, (3) social self-care, (4), emotional self-care and (5) physical self-care. Strategies and tools presented are based on Motivational Interviewing skills, health coaching techniques and integrative health assessment quizzes.
Our Speakers
Shoshana Kulik (MSW RSW) is a Registered Social Worker who provides psychotherapy to individuals and couples at Dynamic Health Collaborative in North York. Shoshana has provided support to caregivers through the SCALE program since fall 2020. She works compassionately to help caregivers feel supported and has a strong awareness of the physical and emotional challenges that caregivers experience. She has run many support groups, including those for individuals struggling with grief and for those impacted by a loved one’s illness. Shoshana utilizes the strengths-based model which capitalizes on a client’s strengths to foster growth, as well as a solution-focused approach. Her history of being a spiritual leader can help those who appreciate spirituality to find strength from the spiritual to help deal with challenging times.
Naomi Levine (MSW RSW) is a Registered Social Worker who provides psychotherapy to individuals, families, and groups at Dynamic Health Collaborative in North York. She has worked in youth corrections, a trauma program for children, youth and their families, and, currently, practices trauma-informed psychotherapy with adults and families. She has been an intersessional lecturer at McMaster University, teaching Mindfulness and Cognitive Therapy to undergraduate students. She also supervises graduate students who are completing their clinical internships. Naomi completed her master’s degree in Social Work at the University of Toronto in 2008. Naomi brings curiosity and compassion to her work with caregivers, giving them the space to explore their struggles and cultivate self-compassion and effective self-care.
Malki Nadoff (AAPC CMCC) is a Certified Coach and Counsellor providing relationship and emotion coaching at Dynamic Health Collaborative in North York. Malki has personal experience caring for aging parents who struggled with Alzheimer’s Disease and other complex medical issues. Using both positive psychology and a goal-oriented approach, Malki helps caregivers navigate the difficulty inherent in caring from aging parents. She works with compassion and sensitivity helping caregivers acknowledge and appreciate the rewards that can come with caring for one’s parents. She is also a speaker at non-profit events empowering individuals to work through difficult family dynamics
This presentation is available in English only. For any difficulty with registration or any other questions, please contact us at info@ontariocaregiver.ca
Cette présentation sera diffusée en anglais seulement. Pour toute difficulté avec votre inscription ou pour toute question, veuillez nous écrire un courriel à l’adresse info@ontariocaregiver.ca
Register on Eventbrite:
SCALE Program (Support for Caregivers Awareness, Learning, Empowerment) nurtures mental health and wellness for caregivers
About this event
The SCALE Program aims to empower caregivers with practical information and skills to focus on their own mental health and well-being. Participants will receive strategies, tools, and resources to better cope with difficult caregiving emotions.
Our Program
Weekly Psychoeducational Webinars
Webinars are divided into two 4-week sessions, see session 1 topics listed below.
You can sign up for the entire session or individual weeks, depending on your availability and/or interest.
Watch live or recorded. All live webinars have been recorded and will be posted exclusively on the Ontario Caregiver Organization YouTube channel after the live event. Only registered participants will be emailed a link after the webinar.
Online Group Coaching and Individual Counselling
Counselling is free and confidential as well as optional to register for.
Spaces are limited, and registration is based on a first-come, first-served basis.
To receive the maximum benefit from the group and individual counselling, it is highly encouraged to also take part in the weekly webinars.
Registration
A zoom link to join live will be emailed to those who register.
An online booking link will also be sent to everyone who registers with the opportunity to register for group and/or individual counselling through Dynamic Health.
Other Information
For more information, please visit
The Scale Program on our website.
Please contact info@ontariocaregiver.ca with any questions about participating in this webinar.
This program is brought to you in partnership with the Ontario Caregiver Organization and Dynamic Health.
Please note that all live webinars are from 12 p.m – 1 p.m Eastern Time
SESSION 1: UNDERSTANDING THE EMOTIONAL EXPERIENCE OF CAREGIVING
The following topics will be explored each week:
Week 1: Your Caregiving Journey (October 5th)
Explore the stages of caregiving while heightening your understanding of the care recipient’s experience. The transition into the role of a caregiver evolves through these three stages:
The Catastrophic Event
Taking on the Role
Moving into Advocacy
Together, we will explore each stage to understand the impact of each event within your own caregiving role, as well as the shifts it brings to your relationship with your care recipient. We will also begin to discuss the shifts you can make to improve your experience as a caregiver and manage the stress the caregiving relationship has on you.
Week 2: How Caregiving Stress Affects You (October 12th)
Explore the physical, emotional, and mental impacts of caregiving.
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 to this stress and how this can be both helpful and harmful to the body. Together, we will explore the difference between stress and burnout and key signs of when you should seek help.
Week 3: How Caregivers can Manage Anxiety & Anger (October 19th)
Explore where the feelings of anxiety and anger come from, and how to manage them in the context of your caregiving role.
Understand anger and recognize that it is an acceptable emotion to express as a caregiver. Learn about anxiety and how it can be a positive emotion that alerts us to any danger but can also be a negative emotion that starts to impact our mental health when we become overwhelmed.
This session will help you differentiate between two coping pathways: (1) thoughts and (2) emotion and unpack the cognitive distortions we face when dealing with feelings of anxiety and anger. In addition, we will also be working on non-violent communication with our negative thoughts, allowing us to consider a different way to speak to ourselves and giving us more self-compassion.
Week 4: How Caregivers can Manage Sadness & Guilt (October 26th)
Explore the feelings that drag you down and keep reminding you that you aren’t doing enough and about the cognitive distortions that keep you in the shame-cycle.
Understand different caregiver’s experiences of sadness and guilt. Learn about the signs of guilt and the common themes often associated with guilt as a caregiver. This session will help you differentiate between two coping pathways: (1) thoughts and (2) emotion. Too often we face cognitive distortions, the sneaky ways your mind convinces you of something that isn’t really true. Learn to identify and unpack these cognitive distortions that you may be having as a caregiver like “I should be able to care for her on my own at home” or “I’m a failure as a daughter.” We will question these negative thoughts and ask, “is this 100% true?”. We will also explore the emotion of sadness and the triggers that cause it, including the grieving process.
Our Speakers
Shoshana Kulik (MSW RSW) is a Registered Social Worker who provides psychotherapy to individuals and couples at Dynamic Health Collaborative in North York. Shoshana has provided support to caregivers through the SCALE program since fall 2020. She works compassionately to help caregivers feel supported and has a strong awareness of the physical and emotional challenges that caregivers experience. She has run many support groups, including those for individuals struggling with grief and for those impacted by a loved one’s illness. Shoshana utilizes the strengths-based model which capitalizes on a client’s strengths to foster growth, as well as a solution-focused approach. Her history of being a spiritual leader can help those who appreciate spirituality to find strength from the spiritual to help deal with challenging times.
Naomi Levine (MSW RSW) is a Registered Social Worker who provides psychotherapy to individuals, families, and groups at Dynamic Health Collaborative in North York. She has worked in youth corrections, a trauma program for children, youth and their families, and, currently, practices trauma-informed psychotherapy with adults and families. She has been an intersessional lecturer at McMaster University, teaching Mindfulness and Cognitive Therapy to undergraduate students. She also supervises graduate students who are completing their clinical internships. Naomi completed her master’s degree in Social Work at the University of Toronto in 2008. Naomi brings curiosity and compassion to her work with caregivers, giving them the space to explore their struggles and cultivate self-compassion and effective self-care.
Malki Nadoff (AAPC CMCC) is a Certified Coach and Counsellor providing relationship and emotion coaching at Dynamic Health Collaborative in North York. Malki has personal experience caring for aging parents who struggled with Alzheimer’s Disease and other complex medical issues. Using both positive psychology and a goal-oriented approach, Malki helps caregivers navigate the difficulty inherent in caring from aging parents. She works with compassion and sensitivity helping caregivers acknowledge and appreciate the rewards that can come with caring for one’s parents. She is also a speaker at non-profit events empowering individuals to work through difficult family dynamics
This presentation is available in English only. For any difficulty with registration or any other questions, please contact us at info@ontariocaregiver.ca
Cette présentation sera diffusée en anglais seulement. Pour toute difficulté avec votre inscription ou pour toute question, veuillez nous écrire un courriel à l’adresse info@ontariocaregiver.ca
Register on Eventbrite:
To the outside, it might not look like I’m a caregiver: A Conversation with Young Caregivers
About this event
Over half a million people under the age of 25 in Ontario are providing care for family members or friends with a physical or mental health challenge while balancing the demands of school, work, and life. This webinar aims to raise awareness about the hidden population of young caregivers within their own families and among others they interact with day to day such as teachers, youth workers, healthcare workers, workplace supervisors, etc. We will provide information and resources for adult family caregivers and professionals who may encounter young caregivers to help understand and support them.
The webinar will explore the following topics:
- What kind of challenges do young caregivers face?
- What do young caregivers want you to know about the care they provide?
- How you can support the young caregivers in your life or work.
Moderator:
- Kathleen Slemon (she/her), Program Lead, Peer Support at the Ontario Caregiver Organization. Kathleen supervises the 1:1 Peer Support Program, Online Support Groups, and Young Caregiver Initiatives.
Young Caregiver Speakers:
- Tasneem Nahhas: Tasneem is a full-time university student studying Health Sciences at McMaster University and a caregiver for her sibling.
- Micaela Harley: Micaela Harley (she/her) is a strategic change-maker in the Youth Mental Health and Substance Use System. Her passion for change stems from her experiences as a service user and a youth providing care to a struggling loved one.
- Lindsay Couture: Lindsay is a former young caregiver who provides care to her mother.
Please note that this presentation is available in English only.
For any difficulty with registration or any other questions, please contact us at info@ontariocaregiver.ca
Register on Eventbrite:
To the outside, it might not look like I’m a caregiver: A Conversation with Young Caregivers
About this event
Over half a million people under the age of 25 in Ontario are providing care for family members or friends with a physical or mental health challenge while balancing the demands of school, work, and life. This webinar aims to raise awareness about the hidden population of young caregivers within their own families and among others they interact with day to day such as teachers, youth workers, healthcare workers, workplace supervisors, etc. We will provide information and resources for adult family caregivers and professionals who may encounter young caregivers to help understand and support them.
The webinar will explore the following topics:
- What kind of challenges do young caregivers face?
- What do young caregivers want you to know about the care they provide?
- How you can support the young caregivers in your life or work.
Moderator:
- Kathleen Slemon (she/her), Program Lead, Peer Support at the Ontario Caregiver Organization. Kathleen supervises the 1:1 Peer Support Program, Online Support Groups, and Young Caregiver Initiatives.
Young Caregiver Speakers:
- Tasneem Nahhas: Tasneem is a full-time university student studying Health Sciences at McMaster University and a caregiver for her sibling.
- Micaela Harley: Micaela Harley (she/her) is a strategic change-maker in the Youth Mental Health and Substance Use System. Her passion for change stems from her experiences as a service user and a youth providing care to a struggling loved one.
- Lindsay Couture: Lindsay is a former young caregiver who provides care to her mother
This presentation is available in English only. For any difficulty with registration or any other questions, please contact us at info@ontariocaregiver.ca
Cette présentation sera diffusée en anglais seulement. Pour toute difficulté avec votre inscription ou pour toute question, veuillez nous écrire un courriel à l’adresse info@ontariocaregiver.ca
Register on Eventbrite:
This webinar will provide an overview of delirium and how family members and caregivers can support people with delirium.
About this event
In partnership with Ontario Health, this webinar provides an overview of delirium and how family members and caregivers can support people with or at risk for delirium. You will learn how to help prevent delirium, how to recognize the signs and symptoms of delirium, and ways to support your family member’s care. We will hear from a clinician and people with lived experience, and examine various useful tools and resources for caregivers. The Ontario Caregiver Organization will moderate a question-and-answer session at the end of the webinar.
After the webinar, participants will be able to:
-Understand delirium and the typical ways it presents
-Identify the causes of delirium and take steps to prevent it
-Take action if delirium occurs
-Support and care for a person who is experiencing symptoms of delirium
-Communicate effectively with health care providers about the signs and symptoms of delirium
Our Clinician:
Deborah Brown, Nurse Practitioner, Senior Friendly Strategy, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre; member, Delirium Quality Standard Advisory Committee member
Our Caregivers:
Angela Golding, who has lived the impact of delirium for many years while caring for her mother.
Kathy Smith, who was a caregiver for her husband who experienced delirium while he was in the intensive care unit following cardiac and vascular surgeries with long exposures to anesthesia.
Lisa Comeau, who has cared for her mother, who manifested several signs and symptoms of delirium in numerous care settings
Please note that this presentation is available in English only. For any difficulty with registration or any other questions, please contact us at info@ontariocaregiver.ca or call 1-888-877-1626 X 1011.
Register for FREE via Eventbrite:
Health Law: A primer for family caregivers in the mental health and addictions sector
About this event
Part 1: In this session, we will examine how the Health Care Consent Act and Personal Health Information Protection Act, 2004 affect an individual’s rights, the roles and obligations of substitute decision-makers, and practical strategies for navigating the health system. It will also speak to special issues in the mental health and addictions sectors, and key issues regarding children and youth.
Part 2: As a follow-up session, we will talk about the mental health system, including the Mental Health Act framework and community-based services, risk management considerations, privacy, and being an advocate in the system. We will discuss broadly two case scenarios in the mental health and addictions sector, involving the health system, housing and more.
About our speakers:
Angie Hamilton is an Executive Director and Co-Founder of Families for Addiction Recovery, a retired lawyer and parent of a child who struggles with addiction. She is a member of the Public Policy Committee of the Canadian Society of Addiction Medicine and a Board Member of The Ontario Family Caregivers’ Advisory Network. She was a member of the National Board of MADD Canada from 2014 to 2020 and the Chair of their Public Policy Committee.
Mary Jane Dykeman is a partner and co-founder at INQ Law in Toronto. She has acted as in-house legal counsel to two Toronto teaching hospitals. In her work, she regularly assists hospitals, long-term care and retirement homes, and community health care organizations in finding practical solutions to legal, clinical, risk and privacy matter – including mental health, consent, capacity and substitute decision-making, and difficult family issues. Since 2004, she has taught the mental health law course in the Osgood Professional Development Health Law LL.M.
Please Note: This presentation is available in English only.
For any difficulty with registration or any other questions, please contact us at info@ontariocaregiver.ca
Register for FREE on Eventbrite:
