Family Caregiver Day Celebrated April 3, 2018
Across the province, over 3 million people provide supports for family members facing illness, disability, or
challenges related to aging, but their contributions often go unrecognized. On April 3rd, Community &
Primary Health Care (CPHC) and the Ontario Caregiver Coalition (OCC) are celebrating Family Caregiver Day
by unmasking these invisible heroes of the healthcare system and their faces may surprise you.
This year, three generations of caregivers–each with their own challenges–are being highlighted:
Young caregivers: There are almost 500,000 family caregivers in Ontario between 15 and 24 years
old.
‘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 or older.
Family Caregiver Day (April 3rd) aims to raise awareness about the importance of family caregivers in
Ontario.
“By celebrating caregivers and bringing their voices to the forefront, we are providing a platform for them
to share their stories. Caregivers are the unsung heroes of our health care and social service system. It is
our responsibility as a province to recognize their contribution and while we have made progress, we still
have a long way to go to truly recognize the important work that caregivers do. Please join us on April 3rd
by celebrating Family Caregiver day with us,” says Cheryl Perera, Chair of the OCC.
On a provincial level, the OCC is advocating for increased investment in flexible respite services and
increased and more equitable financial support for caregivers who are in financial distress. This would
include making caregiver tax credits refundable.
CPHC is dedicated to caregiver wellness, and offers a vibrant, caring and practical support system to
caregivers and their families throughout Lanark, Leeds & Grenville. Caregivers can access Support and
Counseling, Caregiver Information, Education & Training, compassionate and flexible In Home Respite
Services and Adult Day Services. “You don’t have to do it alone!”
All Ontarians are invited to celebrate Family Caregiver Day and thank a family caregiver in their community
by signing the thank-you card at www.ontariocaregivercoalition.ca or using the hashtag #thxcaregivers.
About CPHC
CPHC has been in operation for more than 100 years making a difference in the communities we serve with
the right care, the right way, at the right time.
In Lanark CPHC provides Music & Memories Diners Clubs, Caregiver Support and Counseling, Caregiver
Information, Education & Training, Respite, Exercise & Fall Prevention , Vial of Life, Stroke Survivor and
Caregiver Support Group, and Philips Lifeline Medical Alert Systems.
In Leeds & Grenville CPHC provides Meals on Wheels (hot & frozen) , Foot Care, Caregiver Support and
Counseling, Caregiver Information , Education & Training, In Home Respite, Diners Clubs, Transportation,
Friendly Visiting, Telephone Reassurance, Home Help / Home Maintenance Brokered Work , Exercise & Fall
Prevention Programs , Stroke Survivor and Caregiver Support Group, Adult Day Program and Philips Lifeline
Medical Alert Systems.
To learn more about CPHC Community Support Services & programs, to volunteer, or to discuss an event or
partnership please call 613-342-3693.
Funding for CPHC programs has been provided by the South East Local Health Integration Networks
(LHINs), United Way, client/business fees and private donations. CPHC is a non-profit registered, charitable
organization.
About the Ontario Caregiver Coalition
Established in 2009, the Ontario Caregiver Coalition is dedicated to recognizing the importance of unpaid
caregivers in Ontario by raising awareness of the value they add to the health care system, and by
advocating for improved, fair access to needed supports. OCC members represent a diverse and broad
cross-section of the 1 in 5 Ontarians who are caregivers. For more information, visit
www.ontariocaregivercoalition.ca