As you grow older, the needs of those around you – whether it be your friend, spouse or parents – start to shift. Managing your own needs while taking on a new unknown challenge and embarking on a caregiving journey can be an unexpected turn of fate. However, it begins, stepping into this role can feel overwhelming. Yet, with a little planning, some self-compassion, and the right support, caregiving can become not only manageable, but meaningful.

Start by taking a breath. Acknowledge the generosity and love behind your decision to care for a family member. Your first step should be finding sustainable ways to take care of yourself. Breaks, proper rest, nutritious food, and activities that bring you joy aren’t luxuries but necessities. When you’re at your best, you’re better able to care for others.

Creating a daily routine is also a powerful way to ease the transition. Mapping out a simple schedule (such as: helping Dad out of bed at 7 a.m., making breakfast at 8, physical therapy at 9) can provide structure and predictability for both of you. Include time for hobbies, errands, meals, and rest, and be realistic about when you’ll need breaks. This framework will not only help you stay organized but also highlight the best times to ask for extra help or downtime.

Speaking of help, don’t be afraid to ask for it. Caregiving doesn’t have to be a solo act. Enlist family members, friends, and community organizations. Build a network that includes not just physical assistance, but emotional support. Connecting with other caregivers through support groups or online forums can make a world of difference. You’re likely to find encouragement, solutions to shared problems, and a safe space to share your journey.

Communication is another essential tool. Keep lines open with your loved one, their medical team, and your support network. Practice active listening, and be honest about your capacity and concerns.

Finally, embrace the heart of caregiving: compassion, and companionship. A clean home and a balanced meal matter, but so do small joys like watching a favourite show together, sharing a laugh, or simply being present. Caregiving is a journey after all, not a checklist.

Often, Caregivers go unrecognized. Here are the facts:

  • 1 million Canadians are caregivers to a family member, friend, or neighbour, (one in four) and half will be a caregiver in their lifetime (Statistics Canada).
  • 50% of carers are between the ages of 45-65 (their peak earning years) (Statistics Canada).
  • $25 billion in unpaid labour is added to our health system by Caregivers (Hollander et al).
  • Caregiving can lead to physical and mental health issues, financial strain, and social isolation (Canadian Palliative Care Association).
  • 75% of reported Caregivers in Canada are unpaid (Petro-Canada CareMaker’s Foundation.)

Family caregivers are the resilient backbone of our communities. These amazing folks juggle meeting the round-the-clock needs of others with their own responsibilities often with little recognition and limited, physical, emotional or financial support.

The 2025 Canada Cares Awards will recognize and give financial supports to hundreds of families looking after aging relatives, adults and young children with physical, cognitive, emotional challenges related to disability, medical conditions, frailty, addiction. Nominate a caregiver for recognition and a chance of up to $10,000 in support funding today at: https://www.canadianabilities.org/2025-canada-cares-nominations

“Caregiving is stressful and it affects up to 50% of families,” says Caroline Tapp-McDougall, founder of Canada Cares and it’s Awards. “It takes a toll in so many ways. Lots of basic “needs” like equipment, respite care, transportation costs, therapy, personal care supplies, even basics like housing, home maintenance and utilities, and food go unmet. We work to offer support when it’s most needed.” We look forward to receiving your nominations.


Meet our winners:

Angelina, who is the glue holding her family together. At 74-year-old she works tirelessly to care for Alissa, her grand-daughter who lives with mitochondrial disease, uses a wheelchair and is blind. She works tirelessly to manage Alissa’s complex care needs and support her mental and physical wellbeing. Angelina is also a caregiver for her grandson Cosimo who lives with epilepsy and a learning disability and her son-in-law who is bedridden due to Multiple Scoliosis.

The Mitchells, who are first-time parents to three-year-old Mackenzie who was born with Congenital Myotonic Dystrophy, a genetic condition that affects her breathing, feeding and muscle function. Mackenzie spent the first 10 months of her life undergoing treatment in various Toronto hospitals (over an hour away from the Mitchell’s home). Her parents, Alison and Roger moved into Toronto’s Ronald MacDonald House for five months to be near her and receive the training they would need to care for her at home, with an array of equipment that requires constant maintenance. Her parents now provide the lion’s share of her complex care needs and make sure that her life is filled with activities that bring regular smiles.