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Celebrating National Caregiver Day
Over 120 Caregivers Honoured as going ‘Above and Beyond’
In celebration of National Caregiver Day, Ontario Health atHome honoured more than 120 caregivers from across the province whose extraordinary efforts make it possible for others to live in their home or community despite the impacts of age, illness or disability.
The 4th annual Above and Beyond Caregiver Recognition Online Event, held on April 7, brought together caregivers, family members, Ontario Health atHome staff and community partners creating an opportunity for caregivers to feel seen, heard and appreciated.
Caregivers — whether family members, friends or neighbours — 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 families, communities and broader health care system. From providing care, coordinating appointments and medications, arranging transportation, preparing meals and supporting social connection, their unwavering dedication and resilience allows more people to remain in their home – wherever that may be. As part of the online Above and Beyond Caregiver Recognition Event, 13 caregivers were given special recognition under the following six categories.
| 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. |
Alicia Horne, Stratford |
| Caring With Courage |
Through encouragement, empowerment and support, this caregiver has directly brought about positive change to their loved one's quality of life. |
Isabel de Sousa, Maple Heather, Sault Ste. Marie Syed and Sakina Mehdi, Scarborough |
| Partner in Care |
This caregiving partner has provided long standing and continued support to an individual in their home or community. |
Sue and David Lovell, New Lowell Deanne Graham and Michele Waterworth, Peterborough |
| Caregiver Innovation |
This caregiver uses innovative and creative strategies to support their loved one(s). |
Avi Parmar, Maple |
| 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. |
Ana Sami, Toronto |
| Caregiver Resilience |
This individual has provided palliative and end-of-life caregiving to their friend, family member or neighbour, demonstrating resiliency in the face of loss and grief. |
Debra and Mike Sharpe, St. Catharines |
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 posted on our Caregiver Support webpage following the event. This page includes information you may find useful in your caregiving journey.
QUOTES:
“Caregivers play a vital role in supporting the health and well-being of Ontarians. Through hard
work and selflessness, caregivers ensure that our loved ones can continue to live comfortably at
home, even as they live with illness, disability, chronic disease, medically complex conditions, special needs that sometimes come with aging, or end-of-life care regardless of age. To the recipients: congratulations on this well-deserved honour! It’s a testament to the sacrifices you make every day for our family members. We are forever grateful for the work you do.”
– Doug Ford, Premier of Ontario
“Congratulations to all the caregivers being honoured through the Above and Beyond program. Thank you for your exceptional efforts and for the dedication, compassion and vital support you provide to family and loved ones. Your contributions are greatly appreciated, and you make a profound difference in people’s lives, each and every day.”
– Sylvia Jones,Deputy Premier and Minister of Health
“Ontario Health atHome is proud to celebrate National Caregiver Day and our 4th annual
Above and Beyond Caregiver Recognition Event. Caregivers are essential health partners which is why we are committed to ensuring that they—and those they care for—have access to the services, resources and guidance they need. To today’s outstanding honourees and the many caregivers I have had the privilege of meeting, on behalf of everyone at Ontario Health at Home and the communities we serve, thank you for showing us what it truly means to go above and beyond.”
– Anna Greenberg, Chief Executive Officer, Ontario Health atHome
“On behalf of Ontario Health atHome’s Board of Directors, we are pleased to come together
to celebrate our 4th annual Above and Beyond Caregiver Recognition Event and the
extraordinary contributions shown by this year’s honourees. Caregivers make it possible for loved ones to remain at home, surrounded by familiarity and comfort. Thank you to this year’s honourees for allowing us to recognize the many ways you go above and beyond for your loved ones. It is truly an honour to celebrate National Caregiver Day with you.”
– 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.
