Caregivers Are Essential Partners In Care

There are an estimated four million family and friends providing physical and/or emotional support to someone in their life. These caregivers provide approximately three quarters of the care in the health system and play a critical role on the care team. Evidence shows that when health care providers include caregivers as part of the team, it improves the health outcomes of the care recipient. It also leads to a better experience for both the care provider and the caregiver.

But when it comes to including caregivers, how do you get started and how do you do it in a meaningful way?

The Ontario Caregiver Organization , in partnership with Ontario Health, has launched the Essential Care Partner Support Hub.  The new Support Hub is here to help hospitals and long-term care homes with the implementation of Essential Care Partner programs and leading practices so care partners are formally identified, included, and supported to participate as part of the care team – even during times of health system pressures. 

The Essential Care Partner Support Hub provides hospitals and long-term care homes access to guidance, coaching and resources that can help to enhance an existing program or get started on implementation. These resources have been designed in collaboration with care providers and care partners and include implementation guides and practical tips developed by the Ontario Caregiver Organization’s Essential Care Partner Learning Collaborative (caregivers and early adopters who have successfully implemented Essential Care Partner programs).

This is a significant milestone for the Ontario Caregiver Organization. The work we are doing with health system partners will be instrumental in improving the lives of caregivers, the people they care for, and health care providers across the province. If you’re a hospital or long-term care home and want to learn more, please reach out to me and we can explore further.   

#caregiving