Above and Beyond Caregiver Recognition Program
Caregivers are a pivotal part of our broader health care system. Through their efforts and dedication, caregivers help to ensure neighbours, friends and loved ones can safely remain at home.
To coincide with National Caregiver Day, the Above and Beyond Caregiver Recognition Program was established to recognize, celebrate and support caregivers who make it possible for people to live their lives in their communities despite the impacts of age, illness or disability.
Recognition Criteria and Categories
Submissions for the Above and Beyond Caregiver Recognition Program are made based on the following criteria.
Recognition Criteria
- The caregiver(s) must live in Ontario
- The caregiver(s) must be providing care to a patient who has recently received or is currently receiving services through Home and Community Care Support Services
- Excludes paid, registered, or volunteer caregivers
- Submissions for the 2024 program closed January 14, 2024
There are five recognition categories for the 2024 program:
| Category | Criteria | Recipients |
|---|---|---|
| Caring and Sharing | This caregiver is giving back to their community by helping and guiding others through sharing the knowledge and experience gained from their journey. | Jennifer Irwin (in memoriam), Lucknow (South West) Read Jennifer's story | Watch Jennifer's story Elizabeth Marie Chambers, St. Catharines (HNHB) Read Elizabeth's story | Watch Elizabeth's story |
| Caring With Courage | Through encouragement, empowerment and support, this caregiver has directly brought about positive change to their loved one's quality of life. | Angela Smith, (Central Region) Read Angela's story | Watch Angela's story Melanie Denis, Lansdowne (South East) Read Melanie's story | Watch Melanie's story |
| Partner in Care | This caregiving partner has provided long standing and continued support to an individual in their home or community. | Emidio Galea, Etobicoke (Toronto Central) Read Emidio's story | Watch Emidio's story Michael Bartlett, Port Dover (HNHB) Read Michael's story | Watch Michael's story |
| Caregiver Team | Group of people (care team) that come together to support an individual in their home or community. | Robyn and the Serez Family, Kitchener (WW) Read their story | Watch their story |
| Young Caregiver | This category recognizes the extraordinary efforts of a friend or family member under the age of 30 years who has gone above and beyond to support the needs of a loved one. | Alissa Porumbel, Central – TC, Toronto Read Alissa's story | Watch Alissa's story Jessie Baker, Emo (NW) Read Jessie's story | Watch Jessie's story |
We are thrilled to share that we received more than 100 submissions for our 2024 program. We are very excited to be able to share their inspirational stories of devotion, compassion and love.
Event Materials
- Read the inspirational caregiver stories from the Above and Beyond Caregiver Recognition program event held May 2023.
More Information
For all media-related enquiries, please contact HCCSSmedia@hccontario.ca.
Interested in getting involved as a Community Advisor? We are always looking for patients, family members and caregivers with recent home and community care experience and an interest in sharing their time, experience and insights to help shape and improve care. Learn more
