Are you providing or receiving caregivng? In this episode of Aging Vibrantly, we speak with Amy Coupal, CEO of Ontario Caregivers Organization (OCO). Podcast host Raeann Ridout and guest co-host Tom Warner, learned about the amazing work the OCO does to support Ontario’s 4 million caregivers who provide physical and/or emotional support to family members, partners, friends and neighbours. Our discussion led to understanding the current and future concerns and complexities, prospective caregivers are facing in Ontario and what may be needed support them, based on OCO’s recent Preparing to Care Report. We also speak about the many benefits and joys of being a caregiver, but also the challenges and caregiver readiness; willingness and ability to meet the growing demand. The conversation brought to light the need for systemic changes to provide support for caregivers and receivers and the urgent need to take action to implement and expand services now to meet the growing needs and health care demands of seniors and caregivers in the future. We highlight the vast offerings OCO provides to caregivers, including OCO's free online and group or individual counselling programs, peer support and ‘I am a caregiver Toolkit’, e-Learning and more! During this episode you will learn: Caregiving brings joy when supporting someone important to you, and challenges when managing finances; navigating health care; and possible isolation. Insights from OCO’s, Preparing to Care: Perspectives of Ontarians who expect to be a caregiver in the next 5 years. The number of Ontarians providing physical or emotional support to a family member, partner, friend, or neighbour could increase by more than 50% - from 4 to 6.5 million people. 2.7 million Ontarians are expecting to face caregiving demands but have already decided they can’t or won’t do it. How can we prepare to be caregivers in the future? Until next time - Stay Vibrant! ______________________________ References and Resources Ontario Caregiver Organization OCO provides caregivers with one point of access to information, services, and supports that empower and help enable caregivers to be successful in their role. Where gaps exist in caregiver programs and services, OCO partners with caregivers, health care providers, and other organizations to find new and innovative ways to bridge those gaps so all caregivers, regardless of age, condition, or geographic location have access to the help they need. Preparing to Care Report 2025: Perspectives of Ontarians who expect to be a caregiver in the next 5 years https://ontariocaregiver.ca/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/OCO-Preparing-to-Care-Report-2025-EN.pdf Resource Library for Caregivers https://ontariocaregiver.ca/about/library/ SCALE: Online Counselling https://ontariocaregiver.ca/counselling-coaching/scale-counselling/ Peer Support https://ontariocaregiver.ca/peer-support/peer-support/ Advance Care Planning https://ontariocaregiver.ca/managing-care/advance-care-planning/ ______________________________ About our Guest Amy Coupal is the CEO of the Ontario Caregiver Organization (OCO). OCO exists to support Ontario’s 4 million caregivers who provide physical and/or emotional support to family members, partners, friends and neighbours. The result of this work is demonstrated through the breadth of direct-to-caregiver programs and services available through OCO, as well as the early successes of embedding caregiving in the culture of healthcare and the amplification of the voices of caregivers to influence decision making at a system level. As a caregiver for most of her life, Amy helped to support her brother who had Cerebral Palsy. She was also a caregiver to her mother throughout her cancer journey and now supports her father through older adulthood. ______________________________ Credits Producer: Todd Miller, The Podcast Experts Podcast Coordinator: Lisa Widdifield Co-Host: Tom Warner, Member of Aging Vibrantly Podcast Advisory Committee Music: Redpath Audio We want to thank HelpAge Canada for their financial support to produce this Season’s podcast. ______________________________ Share your Feedback and Keep Connected **Don't Forget to Subscribe, Share, Rate and leave us a review of our Show** Let us know if you enjoyed the podcast in the comments!! Please rate, review and subscribe to Aging Vibrantly wherever you get your podcast. If you prefer to watch our interview, full episodes are available on Elder Abuse Prevention Ontario’s YouTube Channel. Be sure to check our website eapon.ca to learn more resources on abuse prevention and protecting the rights and dignity of older adults. Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as constituting or implying endorsement by EAPO of any entity, product, service or organization mentioned, referenced, or linked.
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