Caring for the Caregiver
Resources for Caregivers in Mimico Village

What is Caregiver Burden?
“Physical, mental, and emotional exhaustion experienced by someone who cares for those who are chronically ill, disabled or cognitively impaired”
Are you experiencing any of these signs or symptoms?
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- Fatigue
- Poor appetite
- Weight Loss
- Body Aches
- Depression
- Feeling of Hopelessness
- Feeling Isolated
- Agitation
- Frustration
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Why it matters?
Caregiver burden has been shown to be associated with increased risk for depression and a poor quality of life
Individuals who practice self-care and access resources are more likely to be healthier and provide better care
Self-Care
Self-care is planning and taking the time to attend to your basic physical, mental, and emotional needs
Physical Self-Care:
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- Eat a balanced diet
- Take time to rest
- Exercise: walking, stretching, yoga
- Other: massages, breathing exercises, long baths
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Mental Self-Care:
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- Focus your attention on the present (mindfulness)
- Practice gratitude
- Be patient with yourself
- Learn how to provide care effectively
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Emotional Self-Care:
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- Acknowledge your feelings without judgment, guilt, or embarrassment
- Learn to say no
- Ask for help when you need it
- Join a support group
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Even 10 minutes is enough!
Make it a daily habit to take care of yourself
Self-Care Resources
Dementia Carers:
Reitman Centre for Alzheimer’s Support and Training
https://www.dementiacarers.ca/
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- TEACH - communication and coping skills training (in-person)
- CARERS - practical skills training and emotional support (online or in-person)
- Dementia Advisor App - scenario-based training
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Caregiver Forum and Support Group:
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- Discussions for caregivers of someone with Alzheimer’s and dementia
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Elizzbot: On-demand support Smart Chatbot for Family Caregivers
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- Includes mindfulness and cognitive behaviour therapy
- Confidential and secure
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Breathe: Relax and Recharge (FREE)
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- Breathing exercises for beginners
- Available in the App Store
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Self-Referral Resources
You can easily register yourself to the program by contacting the following:
Storefront Humber
2445 Lake Shore Boulevard West
(416) 259-4207
Supportive care to seniors and adults with disabilities
Local Health Integration Network
(416) 310-2222
http://healthcareathome.ca/torontocentral/en/Getting-Care/getting-started
Assess and implement services as required
Alderwood South Adult Day Program (ADP)
525 Horner Avenue
(416) 243-0127
Supervised day programs for adults with disabilities
Better Living Health and Community Services
(416) 447-7244 ext. 541
Caregiver support, companionship services, meals and grocery delivery
Alzheimer Society Caregiver Project for Seniors Support Group
(416) 322-6560
The Ontario Caregiver Organization
1-833-416-2273
Helpline for 24/7 support
Map
Community Centers:
1. Horner Avenue Seniors Center
20 Horner Ave (416) 394-6000
2. Franklin Horner Community Center
432 Horner Ave (416) 252-6822
Recreational Parks:
3. Amos Waites Park
4. Mimico Waterfront Park
Faith-based Organizations:
5. Mimico Presbyterian
119 Mimico Ave (416) 255-0213
6. St. Leo’s Roman Catholic Church
277 Royal York Rd (416) 251-1109
7. Wesley Mimico United Church
2 Station Rd (416) 251-5811