Enhancing Care for Ontario Care Partners

The program provides both in-person and virtual clinical services from 15 community health partner sites in over 40 local communities.

The Reitman Centre for Alzheimer’s Support and Training at Mount Sinai Hospital is the provincial hub for the program.  

What to expect

Caring for a family member with dementia is a challenging and emotionally demanding role. To help address some of the challenges faced by care partners, we offer the following two group programs.

CARERS (Coaching, Advocacy, Respite, Education, Relationship, Simulation)

This is a skills-based group for care partners of a person living with dementia. Participants learn practical skills, problem-solving techniques, communication methods and approaches to managing emotional stress which are tailored to the specific problems and needs of each care partner. 

Program details

Duration
The CARERS group consists of eight weekly sessions, each lasting two hours.

Group size
Limited to a maximum of six care partners per group.

Content
The emphasis is on practical skills and emotional support crucial for caring for people living with dementia. The sessions include instruction in problem-solving techniques and a structured approach to addressing challenges. Care partners will receive coaching in communication skills through simulation exercises and learn strategies to help them maintain a meaningful relationship with the person living with dementia.

For more information, visit our CARERS Group: Methods and Impact Video Series. 

TEACH (Training, Education and Assistance for Caregiving at Home)

TEACH is an interactive group for care partners of a person living with dementia. Care partners may discuss themes such as self-care and future planning while learning from each other.

Program details

Duration 
The program consists of four weekly sessions, each lasting 1.5 hours.

Group size
Limited to a maximum of eight care partners per group.

Content
The emphasis is on common caregiving themes including:

• Self-care
• How to navigate through the health care system  
• Coping with relationship changes
• Planning for the future  

Care partners will receive coaching in practical communication and coping skills and have the opportunity to share and learn from each other. 

How to access our services

Care partners in Toronto can access the program at Mount Sinai through the Reitman Centre for Alzheimer’s Support and Training. Care partners outside the Toronto area can access clinical services and groups by using the referral information for their local area through Enhancing Care for Ontario Care Partners. 

Care partners should contact the program in their area for services directly. A referral from a health-care provider is encouraged but not required. We accept referrals from health-care providers and community agencies. Visit our referral criteria for more information.