Caregiver Resources

Caregivers and care partners support their loved ones’ health and wellbeing. The Mental Health and Addictions Network has created this webpage to house resources for caregivers all in one place. The resources are from include local, provincial, and national organizations. Peer supports include options for virtual, in person, individual, and group. Please contact the respective organizations for more information on their programs, services, and peer supports.

To access the resources on this page, click on the grey shaded blocks.

Helplines

If this is an emergency, please call 911.

Available 24/7

Hôtel-Dieu Grace Healthcare’s (HDGH) Community Crisis Centre of Windsor-Essex County: 519-973-4435
The Ontario Caregiver Helpline 1-833-416-2273 (CARE)
Family Services Windsor-Essex: 1-888-933-1831

Available 9:00am to 5:00pm

Toll Free Clinical Intake for Eating Disorders in Windsor-Essex: 1-855-969-5530
Family Services Windsor-Essex (main office): 519-966-5010

General resources

Consent and privacy

Ontario Caregiver Organization (OCO)

Caregivers of children and youth (English, French)

Caregivers supporting someone capable of making their own decisions (English, French)

Caregivers supporting someone incapable of making their own decisions (English, French)

Caregivers supporting someone in the mental health and addiction system (English, French)

Understanding health privacy and consent in Ontario: A guide for care providers (English, French)

WE-SPARK | Caring for the Caregiver Conference, October 2021 | Consent and Mental Health Act (slides)

Presenters: Mary Jane Dykeman & Angie Hamilton

Description: Many caregivers report experiencing challenges with being viewed as a partner in their loved ones care by mental health service providers, especially doctors. In this session, Mary Jane and Angie will discuss the mental health system, including the Mental Health Act framework and community-based services, risk management considerations, privacy and consent, and strategies for being an advocate in the system.

WE-SPARK | Caring for the Caregiver Conference, October 2021 | Consent and Privacy (slides)

Presenters: John T. Clark, LLP

Description: In this section, John will provide an overview of the legislation pertaining to consent and privacy. Information will also be presented on the rights and obligations of substitute decision-makers. Practical strategies caregivers can use when communicating with service providers will also be outlined.

System navigation

Call Street Health for system navigation and advocacy 519-997-2824 ext. 408 or 409

WE-SPARK | Caring for the Caregiver Conference, October 2021 | Navigating the System [slides]

Panelists: Patricia Thomas, Colleen Bruner-Pelletier, Judy Lear-Zylstra, Luciana Rosu-Sieza

Description: Navigating mental health and addiction resources can be difficult for individuals and families, especially when experiencing a crisis. We recognize the need to provide clarity on how to access mental health and addiction services so that individuals and families have timely access to them when needed. This session will; 1) explore common methods to access local mental health and addiction services, and 2) seek feedback on what is working well and what can be improved as it relates to access.

Caring for adults with mental health conditions and substance use

Resources

Mental Health Connections has provided Family Support and Education since 1995 to family members/caregivers who have loved ones who struggle with mental health/addiction issues. There are no fees to participants for any of the services including the course and all course materials for the NAMI Education Program. Registration is required in advance. Programs are offered in Windsor and Leamington from 6:30 – 9:00 p.m. (English)

National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)

Family-to-Family Education Course: The NAMI Family Education Program is an 8-week course offered by trained NAMI Instructors which includes topics covering: symptoms of mental illness, basic biology of the brain, problem solving, medication review, empathy, communication skills, self care, rehabilitation and recovery, and stigma and advocacy. For more information and to register, call 519-256-4854 or email jlaforge@mhc-wec.on.ca. (English)

Ontario Caregiver Organization (OCO)

Caring for someone with a mental illness and/or addiction (English and French)

Support

Windsor Team Care Centre

One Team Recovery (OTR) Substance Abuse Program: OTR Family & Friends is a FREE educational group that meets for 90 minutes, 1 night a week, for 3 weeks. This group provides education and resources to family and friends who are looking for ways to support themselves and their loved ones who are dealing with substance use. (English, French and others)

Caring for the caregiver

Resources

National Initiative for Eating Disorders

Safety, Crisis Readiness and Other Essential Information for Caregivers (English)

Ontario Caregiver Organization (OCO)

Caregiver Mental Health and Well-Being (English and French)

Free programs and services for caregivers (English and French)

I am a Caregiver – Getting Started Toolkit (English and French)

Roadmap to caregiving: The realities of mental illness and addictions. Self directed eLearning course for caregivers. Create an account through the OCO Learning Library for this and other caregiver eLearning courses (English and French)

Resources for 2SLGBTQ+ Caregivers (English and French)

Resources for Indigenous caregivers (English and French)

Spotify

Time to Talk (English and French)

Support

Mental Health Connections

Individual support (English)

Ontario Caregiver Organization (OCO)

Free mental health education and support – SCALE program (English and French)

1 to 1 peer support (English and French)

Online support group (English, French)

Windsor Essex Community Health Centre

The Substance Abuse Program for African and Caribbean Canadian Youth (SAPACCY) (English and French)

Caring for children and youth

Resources

Support

Children’s Mental Health Ontario

Parents for Children’s Mental Health (PCMH) is now hosting their Family to Family Support Groups at the Regional Children’s Centre. The support groups are open to parents and caregivers of children and young adults who are experiencing mental health concerns. Meetings will be held twice monthly in the Huot Building at 3901 Connaught Avenue (Ozad Room):

First Thursday of the month from 1:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.

Third Wednesday of the month from 6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

For more information please contact Windsor@pcmh.ca. (English and French)

Caring for families

Resources

House of Sophrosyne

Client centered, family support for those coping with loved ones struggling with substance abuse disorder/addiction. Individual counselling in-person and/or online/virtually.

Family Recovery/Support program (English): The family support group is dedicated to providing emotional support and education that will help individuals increase their coping and self-care through skill building opportunities.

Life After Loss Grief Support Program (English): Life after loss is an educational support program for those bereaved by substance use. Participants are guided through an eight week journey where they will learn about addiction, trauma, self-care and how grief is an expression of love.

Support

Young caregivers (ages 15 to 25)

Resources

Support