Recognizing Family Caregivers Day – April 3rd

CMHA recognizes the value of family caregivers

Every day, more than 3 million Ontarians provide support to loved ones facing illnesses, mental health issues, disabilities or challenges associated with aging. On April 3, CMHA Peel Dufferin joins organizations and communities across the province for Family Caregiver Day, an annual event to recognize and celebrate the value of caregivers to Ontario’s families, health care system, and economy.

This year, the Ontario Caregiver Coalition is highlighting three generations of caregivers:

• Young caregivers. Close to 500,000 family caregivers in Ontario who are between 15 and 24 years old. Many are even younger.
• ‘Sandwich’ generation caregivers, who provide care for both their aging parents and their own children.
• Elderly caregivers. Nearly 375,000 caregivers in Ontario are 65 years and older.

Caregivers may support loved ones with domestic care, emotional support, personal care, and other general care such as translation, transportation and assistance with financial paperwork. Some are not aware that caregiving is distinct from being a good friend, child, parent or spouse.

CMHA recognizes that caregiving is a specific role with unique challenges and solutions. Many caregivers feel socially isolated and may need care and support. CMHA Peel Dufferin is happy to offer Family Support services that provide brief counselling and support to caregivers. For more information please click here or call 905-451-2123.

To raise awareness about the importance of caregivers, members of the public are encouraged to share messages of support on social media using the hashtag #thxcaregivers or sign an online thank you card for caregivers.