Every person who has flown has heard this safety instruction, “Please secure your mask first before assisting those around you.” Although the instruction may at first seem slightly selfish, the contrary is true. Caregivers tend to direct all their energy into helping others and not themselves. This practice brings unintended consequences such as tiredness, illness and depression for the caregiver. In the long run, such effects are not positive for either the person in need or the caregiver.
Here are some resources that caregivers can access to help with their caregiving responsibilities. These agencies/services will often provide day programs, health and wellness management, meals on wheels or congregate dining, transportation, home care and volunteer visiting. Please check each website for the list of services. Note, the agencies and services often have catchment areas.
-A non-profit charitable community services agency; provides a full range of community support services covering the entire Greater Toronto Area and the York Region.
-A not-for-profit community support agency that serves seniors, older adults with disabilities, families and caregivers in the Etobicoke community.
Humber Community Seniors’ Services
-A non-profit organization located in Toronto’s Mount Dennis community; its goal is to help seniors and adults with disabilities live independently, safely, with dignity and with the highest quality of life possible.
Seniors and Caregivers Support Service (SCSS) Unit at Family Service Toronto
-A unit at Family Service Toronto; provides social work services to older people and caregivers including counselling, group work, advocacy, training and educational sessions.
-A not-for-profit community support service agency in Toronto that offers a wide range of practical and low-cost services to seniors and their caregivers.
St. Clair West Services for Seniors
-A non-profit, charitable organization which provides valuable, innovative and caring support services to older adults and/or adults with disabilities who wish to maintain their quality of life while living in their homes.
-A not-for-profit organization in Scarborough that cares deeply about the well-being of seniors and provides programs and services that meet the diverse needs of older adults and their caregivers from diverse backgrounds.
Sunshine Centres for Seniors in Toronto
-A non-profit organization that provides social, recreational and health promotion day programs for seniors in the Greater Toronto Area; committed to providing inclusive, interactive and accessible programs.
-A non-sectarian social services agency located in west central Toronto.
-A social service agency in Toronto; Woodgreen’s services for seniors have one main goal: to allow people to remain in their own homes and in their own communities for as long as possible so that they may age with dignity.
Health Lines Websites
Older adults can connect with local programs and services that provide support, health care, and recreational and social opportunities designed for seniors. Select ‘Seniors’ from the main page that each hyperlink directs you to.