Our health and social care systems are working harder than ever to advance more person-centered care, in a bid to improve not only the care experience, but health outcomes for all.
But system pressures are hitting a peak, and more people providing care are burning out.
Among them? Caregivers, ordinary people who provide approximately 75% of the care in our system by supporting family, friends, or neighbours with physical, emotional, and psychological help.
As our population ages, and instances of major illness are projected to increase, we'll need their support even more.
System leaders recognize this, with more working to embed caregivers into the culture of health care — because supporting caregivers as partners in care doesn't just benefit them: it leads to better care, less stress on providers, and reduces pressure on every touchpoint of our system.
That's why the Ontario Caregiver Organization (OCO) exists: to improve the lives of Ontario's more than 5 million caregivers. In OCO's latest Impact Report, Driving Meaningful Change, you can learn how OCO is helping connect caregivers to the support they need and the difference this makes in their lives.
OCO's Essential Care Partner Support Hub — launched in partnership with Ontario Health — plays a key role supporting this mission by helping healthcare organizations advance evidence-informed policies and practices that identify, include, and support caregivers.
Time and time again, this work has shown to improve patient outcomes, as well as the experience for caregivers and healthcare providers.
“I was always aware of the cycle of treatment. It made such a difference in dealing with the emotional roller coaster of the situation. Having that ease of contact and support was vital to me as the caregiver and it gave peace of mind to my husband because he knew I was okay." — Caregiver, sharing their experience supporting their partner in a recent hospital stay
Free and practical support for busy teams
The Support Hub does this by connecting busy healthcare organizations with free 1:1 guidance, coaching, evidence-informed resources, and practical learning opportunities to advance caregiver inclusion.
Since launching in 2023, their reach has more than doubled. Last year alone, the Support Hub connected with over 240 healthcare organizations including hospitals, long-term care homes, OHTs, family health teams, community health centres, and home care providers.
Caregiver support in action
Recognizing the need for improved collaboration and education between their staff and caregivers, St. Thomas Elgin General Hospital came together with their Patient and Family Advisors, staff, and the Support Hub to build a guide for caregivers, to support them as they navigate a typically stressful experience: transitioning to the complex continuing care unit.
The guide includes information to better prepare families for what to expect, empowering them to take an active role in care while improving the overall care experience, and strengthening collaboration between caregivers and their teams.
Breaking down silos through peer learning
“What we hear from our health system partners is that they're gaining great value from the Essential Care Partner Support Hub, benefiting from, not only the resources that are available, but the coaching and support from the Ontario Caregiver Organization team and their peers across the province." — Paula Doering, Senior Vice-President of Clinical Programs, Chief Nursing Executive and Chief of other Health Professionals at Bruyère Health
This work is made possible through knowledge exchange, where peers can get real-world examples of how to implement new programs, policies, and initiatives to advance caregiver inclusion.
At the Essential Care Partner Learning Collaborative — an interactive multisector forum for healthcare organizations — healthcare organizations share how they're addressing common challenges from improving communication with caregivers, facilitating transitions, staff training, and more.
Need help getting started?
Connect with the Support Hub team for free 1:1 support on everything from caregiver engagement to policy development and program implementation.