Providing care for a friend or family member can be challenging, especially when balancing work or childcare. Unpaid caregivers can find programs, resources, financial supports and respite care options that may help them with any mental, emotional, physical, and financial stress.
For more information, call the Ontario Caregiver Helpline at 1-833-416-2273.
Ministry of Labour – Family Caregiver Leave
Unpaid, job-protected leave of up to eight weeks per calendar year per family member. These eight weeks do not have to be taken together. A certificate from a qualified health practitioner that confirms the health status of the ill relative must be provided to the employer.
Ministry of Labour – Family Medical Leave
Unpaid, job-protected leave of up to 28 weeks in a 52-week period for employees who have certain relatives with a serious medical condition who have a significant risk of dying within a 26-week period. A certificate from a qualified health practitioner that confirms the health status of the ill relative must be provided to the employer.
Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) – Family Caregiver Benefits for Adults
Family Caregiver Benefits for Adults is an Employment Insurance (EI) benefit paid to caregivers who have to miss work temporarily to care for a family member who is critically ill or injured and aged 18+. Eligible caregivers may be paid up to a maximum of 15 weeks of EI benefits.
Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) – Compassionate Care Benefits
Compassionate Care Benefits is an Employment Insurance (EI) benefit paid to caregivers who have to miss work temporarily to care for a family member who is terminally ill and is at risk of dying within 26 weeks. Eligible caregivers may be paid up to a maximum of 26 weeks of benefits.
Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) – Canada Caregiver Credit (CCC) and Disability Tax Credit (DTC) Transfer
Caregivers may be eligible for two types of tax savings when filing income taxes. Caregivers to “a dependent with a physical or mental impairment” may be eligible for the Canada Caregiver Credit. Caregivers may also be eligible for the Disability Credit Transfer if the dependent applies for their Disability Tax Credit.
For more information about income tax, government pension programs and social assistance programs to support seniors living on a fixed or low income see the Employment, Volunteering & Financial Supports section.
To find information about tax credits to stay at home and age in place, see the Medical Equipment, Assistive Devices and Accessibility Renovations section.
There are many local resources, community service agencies, and caregiver support programs to help individuals and families who are balancing caregiving responsibilities and family members’ illnesses and complex needs. To find support, contact the services listed below.
If you are in crisis, call 911 or see additional mental health resources.
Ontario Caregiver Helpline
A helpline for caregivers who need support or who have questions about care.
Alzheimer Society Toronto
People with dementia, their families and their caregivers can get support, information, programs and education. The organization also works to increase public awareness of dementia, to promote research, and to advocate for services.
Toronto Dementia Network
This network has a database that collects, organizes and shares information about dementia-related programs, services and events in Toronto.
Family Councils Ontario
Caregivers of long-term care home residents can find resources and education here. The group also provides a public database to connect families to Family Councils and networks.
Toronto Seniors Helpline
Caregivers can get supportive counselling over the phone.
Respite Care offers temporary living arrangements or special care for seniors. This provides a short relief or rest period for the family, guardians, or other regular caregivers. There may be costs for respite care.
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Caregivers can get a rest period while seniors who are living with cognitive, physical and/or mental health disabilities attend an adult day program. Services include activities, meals, snacks, personal care and social programs. Please mention any language or cultural needs. There is usually a fee to participate. Subsidies may be available.
Adult Day Programs provide a wonderful opportunity for seniors living in the community to have “a day out”, participate in social programming and connect with peers.