Caring for the Caregivers: Support Resources for Elders Supporting Elders
Caring for a loved one is a profound act of kindness, but it can also be exhausting, especially for those in their senior years. Whether you’re supporting a spouse, parent, sibling, or friend, the responsibility can take a toll on your energy, finances, and mental health.
If this sounds familiar, we want you to know: you are not alone.
In this brief blog we will share key Financial, Mental and Physical Health resources and organizations you should consider if you are taking care of a loved one.
Financial Support
Canada Caregiver Credit: A non-refundable tax credit from the Canada Revenue Agency for individuals supporting a spouse, common-law partner, or dependent with a physical or mental impairment. The amount varies based on the relationship and the dependent's income. Learn more here.
Employment Insurance (EI) Caregiving Benefit: provides financial support to those who have to take time away from work to provide care or support for a critically ill or injured family member, or someone needing end-of-life care. Eligible caregivers can receive up to 55% of their earnings, to a maximum of $695 per week. The benefit duration varies from up to 15-26 weeks depending on your eligibility. Caregivers do not need to reside with or be directly related to the person receiving care but must be considered like family. Learn more here.
Multigenerational Home Renovation Tax Credit (MHRTC): A refundable tax credit that allows eligible individuals to claim 15% of renovation costs, up to $50,000, for creating a self-contained secondary unit for a senior or an adult eligible for the disability tax credit to live with a qualifying relative, providing a maximum credit of $7,500. Learn more here.
Mental Health Support
Ontario Caregiver Helpline: A confidential, free resource available 24/7, providing information and support for caregivers. Services are offered in English and French, with interpretation available for 150 languages. Contact them at 1-833-416-2273 or through their website. It’s important to note that this helpline is not a crisis or counselling line. If you are in crisis and need immediate assistance, call 911 for a medical emergency or 988 for a mental health crisis. Learn more here.
WoodGreen Caregiver Support & Wellness Program: A free program offering one-on-one counseling and group support to help East Toronto caregivers manage stress, avoid burnout, and connect with others caring for loved ones with dementia or other challenges. Learn more here.
Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) – Ontario: Offers various support services and resources for caregivers, including programs tailored for those supporting individuals with mental health challenges. Learn more here.
Powerful Tools for Caregivers Workshop: This program is a free, six-week workshop designed to equip caregivers with strategies to manage the challenges of caregiving. Participants learn to reduce personal stress, change negative self-talk, communicate effectively, handle difficult emotions, and make informed caregiving decisions. Learn more here.
Physical Supports
Ontario Health at Home: Formerly known as Home and Community Care Support Services (HCCSS) and Local Health Integration Networks (LHINs), this provincial government organization coordinates in-home services such as personal care, nursing, and therapy. Learn more here. We also wrote more about them in a prior blog, which you can read here.
Assistive Devices Program (ADP): Offered by the Ontario Ministry of Health, ADP provides funding assistance for equipment like wheelchairs, walkers, and hearing aids, which can ease the physical demands on caregivers. Learn more here.
It's essential for caregivers to assess their specific needs and utilise the resources available to them and their loved ones.
And of course, Carebee is always here for you.
We know that navigating support options can feel overwhelming. That’s why we created the Carebee Rolodex: a curated, easy-to-browse directory of trusted resources and services tailored for caregivers like you. From social services to in-home care options, our Rolodex puts everything you need in one place—so you can spend less time searching and more time caring.
Sign up for a FREE Carebee Membership to get instant access to our Rolodex and more.
You’ve taken on a big role— let us help lighten the load.
Bzzz,
Team Carebee
