List of online resources and support groups for the caregivers during COVID-19
As a caregiver, it is common to feel tired, frustrated, overwhelmed and anxious with all of the responsibilities that come with caring for someone. This unique journey is clear that caregiving is an emotionally charged experience. It’s a journey that one should not bark on alone. It is critical for caregivers to stay connected through peer support groups to share the challenges of their experiences and share any solutions with each other.
The current COVID-19 pandemic has made it challenging for caregivers to stay connected with their peer support groups. While it is necessary to continue to practice physical distancing and avoiding in-person interaction to help limit and slow the spread of COVID-19. Memoryz encourages caregivers to stay connected with one another which is why we have put together a list of resources and online support groups that you can access during this pandemic.
1. Baycrest Centre- Online Support Group:
Baycrest and the Ontario Telemedicine Network (OTN) have created secure, user-friendly video conferencing software that enables group members to exchange ideas, offer encouragement, solve problems and receive therapeutic support from trained social workers. Each group includes 6–8 people who meet with the social work facilitator once a week for 8–10 weeks.
2. Ontario Caregiver Organization (OCO)
The online caregiver support group created by the Ontario Caregiver Organization (OCO) to offset any support groups you may not be able to visit in your community during this time. The discussion will be driven by caregivers to discuss issues of the highest importance to caregivers with facilitation by an OCO staff person on the following days and times:
Mondays at 7:00 p.m. — 8:00 p.m.
Wednesdays 10:30 a.m. — 11:30 a.m.
Thursday 2:30 p.m. — 3:30 p.m.
Saturday 11:00 a.m. — 12:00 p.m.
Due to the pandemic, Acclaim Health is offering all its caregiver support groups online currently.
The Ontario Caregiver Helpline provides caregivers with a one-stop resource for information and support. The helpline is available to all caregivers.
Ontario Caregiver Helpline: 1–833–416–2273 (CARE)
5. Enhancing Care For Ontario Dementia Care Partners
The Reitman Centre, Sinai Health System and Alzheimer Societies across Ontario provide in-person and online programs for people caring for family members or friends living with dementia.
6. Ontario Community Support Association
OCSA is currently offering meal and essential supplies delivery services for isolated, low-income seniors and people with disabilities and chronic medical conditions across Ontario.
We understand during this pandemic how difficult it is to connect with your community. We hope with the help of these programs we have listed, you can find your own virtual community. Please join our virtual community on Facebook to get the latest updates on all things Memoryz.
