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Celebrating National Caregiver Day
Unpaid Caregivers Honoured as going ‘Above and Beyond’
In celebration of National Caregiver Day, Ontario Health atHome honoured more than 100 extraordinary people from across Ontario who make it possible for others to live in their home or community despite the impacts of age, illness or disability.
The third annual Above and Beyond Caregiver Recognition Program brought together caregivers from across the province virtually on April 1, offering a platform for caregivers to feel seen, heard and appreciated.
Every day, the invaluable contributions of caregivers make it possible for Ontario Health atHome to coordinate in-home and community-based care for thousands of patients across the province. The Above and Beyond Caregiver Recognition Program was established to recognize, celebrate and support caregivers and the pivotal role they play in our broader heath care system. Whether providing meals, transportation or personal care to a family member, friend, neighbour or colleague, caregiver contributions are key for enabling more people to stay healthier at home.
As part of the virtual Above and Beyond Caregiver Recognition Event, nine caregivers were given special recognition under the following six categories. Learn more on the Above and Beyond Caregiver Recognition Program page.
| 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. | Valerie Walters, Guelph Read Valerie’s story | Watch Valerie’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. | Jim Sprague, Keswick Read Jim’s story | Watch Jim’s story Shawn Quest, Toronto Read Shawn’s story Watch Shawn’s story |
| Partner in Care | This caregiving partner has provided long standing and continued support to an individual in their home or community. | Alexander Michael Widdifield Read Alexander’s story | Watch Alexander’s story Gary Zaporzan, Slate River Read Gary's story | Read Gary's story |
| Caregiver Team | Group of people (care team) that come together to support an individual in their home or community. | Pam and Amanda Ross, Hamilton Read Pam and Amanda Ross' story | Watch Pam and Amanda Ross' 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. | Neil Mukherjee, Ottawa Read Neil's story | Watch Neil's story |
| NEW! Caregiver Resilience | This individual has provided palliative and end-of-life caregiving to their friend, family member or neighbour. Please tell us about their story of resiliency in the face of loss and grief. How can their story inspire others or provide comfort to those that are currently supporting a loved one at end-of-life. | Barbara Z., Nepean Read Barbara's story | Watch Barbara's story |
Earlier this year, Ontario Health atHome staff and the public were invited to recognize a caregiver in their life. These caregivers provided care to someone who has recently received, or is currently receiving, Ontario Health atHome support, and they are not a paid or registered volunteer caregiver.
One of the main goals of the Above and Beyond Caregiver Recognition Program and Event is to harness the power of sharing experience and learnings through storytelling. These will be shared following the event as part of the Caregiver Learnings webpage as a means of encouraging and inspiring one another.
QUOTES:
“Congratulations to everyone who is being recognized at this year’s event. Your dedication and compassion for supporting your loved ones is truly admirable. Events like this provide us with an opportunity to recognize heroes in our communities, whose tireless efforts are an inspiration to everyone. We see you and we appreciate you. I wish you all the best this National Caregiver Day.”
– Sylvia Jones, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health
“Ontario Health atHome is proud to celebrate National Caregiver Day with our third annual Above and Beyond Caregiver Recognition Event. We owe a debt of gratitude to caregivers across this province. I am inspired by their extraordinary contributions to their loved one’s care. We recognize how vital it is that they are supported in that care, and that together we can help people across Ontario stay healthier at home. I am proud to recognize the dedication and kindness of these caregivers, and to celebrate them as essential health care partners. On behalf of everyone at Ontario Health atHome, and the communities we serve, thank you for your dedication to going above and beyond.”
– Anna Greenberg, Interim Chief Executive Officer, Ontario Health atHome
“Ontario Health atHome’s Board of Directors is proud to recognize all of the amazing caregivers through our third annual Above and Beyond Caregiver Recognition Event. This celebration is just one small way we can shine a spotlight on the vital role that caregivers play in supporting their loved ones. Family and friends are truly the backbone of home care. Caregiving can be very meaningful and rewarding but at times it can also be a demanding, stressful and lonely job that takes a toll on one’s physical and mental health and well-being. The incredible contributions of caregivers do not go unnoticed. On behalf of the entire Board of Directors – We are thrilled to recognize all of the outstanding caregivers who are the cornerstone of their families’, their friends’ and their neighbours’ lives.”
– Carol Annett, Board Chair, Ontario Health atHome
CONTACT:
For questions about the program, please contact the Community Engagement team at engagement@ontariohealthathome.ca or call 1-855-276-3096.
For all media-related enquiries, please contact media@ontariohealthathome.ca.
