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Download (2.72 MB) Well-supported family caregivers contribute to better patient health outcomes. Supporting family members, partners, friends or neighbours with physical and/or mental health needs, caregivers help enhance care delivery and improve health outcomes for patients. This benefits not only the people in their care, but our healthcare system overall.
However, despite providing approximately 75% of the care in our health system, caregivers are struggling to get by. Because our system focuses on patient care, caregivers who seek support for their own well-being often aren’t aware that supports exist for them (or how to access them) — and, in turn, face burnout without them. Leading to increased hospital use, a greater need for in-home patient services, negative impacts on patient health outcomes, and premature long-term care placement, caregiver burnout has consequences for everyone.
To help primary health care providers support caregivers, the Ontario Caregiver Organization (OCO) created this one-page tip sheet which includes practical takeaways and links to free tools for both caregivers and providers.