I sat across from my mother, watching her navigate another day of caring for my grandparents. Her weariness had become a familiar backdrop in my life — a constant reminder of the emotional and physical toll that caregiving demands. It was painful to witness her struggle, and despite my best efforts, I often felt helpless, unable to truly understand her experience or ease her burden.

I couldn’t help but think there must be a better way to help the millions of caregivers across Canada who shoulder similar responsibilities. With approximately 7.5 million Canadians currently providing care to a loved one, the need for support is clear.

Caregiving spans a wide range of responsibilities — from short-term care for someone recovering from surgery, to the long-term commitment of caring for those with chronic health conditions, cognitive impairments, disabilities, or terminal illnesses. One of the most common challenges faced by carers is caregiver stress — a combination of physical, emotional, or mental strain that can lead to exhaustion, anxiety, depression, and even health problems.

What are the options available for caregivers who are feeling overwhelmed? The first step for many is to consult a family physician or the healthcare provider of the person they are caring for. From there, they may be referred to various support services, including individual caregiver counselling, or support groups online or in-person. Joining a support group can be a reprieve from the isolation that can accompany caregiving, offering a source of connection and community.

We spoke to Ibukun Babarinde, a caregiver support specialist at the Family Caregivers of British Columbia (FCBC), a Canadian provincial not-for-profit organization dedicated to supporting the over one million caregivers in the province. In her role on the Caregiver Support Line, Babarinde is often the first point of contact for those seeking help. Her role involves listening to caregivers, offering advice, and connecting them to appropriate resources, whether within FCBC or through local community programs.

The shift to virtual support groups was accelerated by COVID-19 in 2020, making it easier for caregivers, especially those in rural areas or with limited mobility, to access support: “The advantage is that virtual support groups have a broader reach than local ones, which makes them more diverse. This allows caregivers from different regions to connect, creating a richer support network.”

Yet, despite the growing popularity of virtual support groups, Babarinde notes that these programs often suffer from poor visibility owing to a lack of promotion. In Ontario Canada, similar programs can be found at places like Baycrest Hospital and The Ontario Caregiver Organization, though many caregivers are still unaware of these vital resources.

While support groups offer an opportunity for caregivers to connect and find solidarity, some caregivers require more individualized assistance. Mark Weitz, a registered social worker and practising psychotherapist based in Ontario specializes in providing care for caregivers says, “I often use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), but I also incorporate Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, mindfulness, meditation, and compassion-focused therapy to support clients.” For caregivers who are grieving or feeling overwhelmed, these therapeutic approaches can help them process their emotions and develop coping strategies.

Given the widespread availability of resources like support groups, counselling services, and free online educational courses for caregivers, the next critical step is raising awareness. With an aging population in Canada that has doubled since 2001, the need to support caregivers is urgent. By promoting support groups and services for caregivers, we can help ease the burden they carry and ensure they have access to the resources and care they need.

-Vanessa DiPasquale, Contributing Writer

Image Credits:

Feature: Kampus Production at Pexels, Creative Commons

First: Tima Miroshnichenko at Pexels, Creative Commons

Second: Dylan Ferreira at Unsplash, Creative Commons