Caregivers Alberta is the expert in connecting caregivers with the community, resources and tips they need for their journey – but there are lots of organizations, agencies and websites that have additional helpful resources and information for caregivers too.

Below are links that may be helpful.

  • The working caregiver
    COVID-19: Information on job-protected leaves

    There are two new job-protected leaves that employees impacted by COVID-19 can access:

    • COVID-19 Leave
    • Extended COVID-19 Personal and Family Responsibility Leave
    MyMatchWork

    MatchWork’s platform for nonprofits enables job seekers to find jobs tailored to their specific life situations and skills.

  • Employers
    Job-protected leaves and flexible work arrangements

    There are two new job-protected leaves that employees impacted by COVID-19 can access:

    • COVID-19 Leave
    • Extended COVID-19 Personal and Family Responsibility Leave

     

    Neurodiversity in the Modern Workplace

    There are advantages to a diverse workforce. Most companies are aware of this and hire for physical diversity, but mental and psychological diversity amongst employees also has its benefits. Find out more about the advantages of hiring a neurodiverse workforce, and what an autistic or dyslexic employee can bring to the table that others cannot.

     

  • Caregivers4Change

    Caregivers4Change Website

  • Caregivers4Change Declaration

    Caregivers4Change Declaration

  • Family Caregiving in Canada: COVID-19 & Beyond - National Forum

    ‘Family Caregiving in Canada: COVID-19 & Beyond’ National Forum (Resource Package)

  • Frequently Requested Resources
    Emergency Numbers

    Police, Fire and Ambulance: 911

    24 hour Distress/Crisis Line

    Edmonton – 780-482-HELP (4357)
    Calgary – 403-266-1605

    Health Link

    Health Link is a telephone health information service. A registered nurse is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to answer your health related questions and concerns.

    Dial 8-1-1

    Support Network – Canadian Mental Health Association

    The Support Network is an excellent starting point for any resource or support questions. They have an extensive database of community organizations and they can assistance individuals in finding the services and supports that they need.

    Within Edmonton : Dial 2-1-1
    Outside of Edmonton: 780-482-INFO (4636)

    Community Care Access, Alberta Health Services (Home Care)

    Community Care Coordination is the initial point of entry to programs offered by Community Care Services including Home Care, Day Programs, and Supportive Living. Anyone can call to request an assessment. A Home Care Case Manager will be assigned to meet with you to discuss your needs and conduct an assessment of your abilities.

    Edmonton: 780-496-1300
    Calgary: 403-943-1920
    Red Deer: 403-342-1808

    Alberta Supports Contact Centre

    The Alberta Supports Contact Centre is open Monday through Friday. Representatives can assist you in accessing information on provincial programs and services for seniors, such as:

    • Alberta Seniors Benefits
    • Special Needs Assistance for Seniors
    • Dental and Optical Benefits
    • Education Property Tax Assistance for Seniors

    Edmonton Area: 780-644-9992 Toll-free in Alberta: 1-877-644-9992

    Services for Seniors and Services for People with Disabilities

    A representative from Service Canada can answer your questions about Old Age Security (OAS), Canada Pension Plan (CPP), Disability Savings Plans, Grant Programs and other financial resources for seniors and people with disabilities.

    1-800-O-CANADA (1-800-622-6232)

  • Caregiver Specific Resources
    Alberta Caregiver College

    An online education program provided by Alberta Health Services. Has online courses for caregivers of older adults, those with spinal cord, and those with brain injuries (including stroke). There is also a “Powerful Tools for Caregivers” that builds skills required to deliver care.

    Caregiver’s Guide for Canadians

    Written by Rick Lauder, this book provides you with valuable advice to help you give good elder care while balancing all the demands on your time.

    ElderCare Edmonton

    ElderCare Edmonton hosts a community-based day program for seniors and provides support for caregivers of seniors in the Edmonton area.

    Carers Canada

    Carers Canada is the national advocacy body representing and promoting the voice, needs and interests of family caregivers with all levels of government.

    Family Caregiver

    A Canada based resource website, dedicated to the Family Caregiver magazine. Website contains resource lists specific to your province and posts many articles about Caregiving on their website. Also has an online forum for caregivers

    Caregiving.com

    American website that features the blogs of family caregivers, weekly words of comfort, free webinars and online support groups.

    Caregiver Alliance

    An American non-profit organization formed to address the needs of family and friends providing long term care. Links to fact sheets and other useful information about caregiver.

    The Family Caregiver

    An American National caregiver focused organization. Offers a virtual library of information and educational materials ranging from national educational campaigns to Tips and Tools for family caregivers, to communicating effectively workshops.

    Caregivers NS

    Offers workshops, informative newsletters focused on caregiving issues, a book and video lending library, telephone caregiver assistance and community based peer support groups to Nova Scotia caregivers.

    Family Caregivers of British Columbia

    A caregiver focused charitable organization that serves British Columbia. They provide support groups, online resources and education to assist family caregivers.

    Plan Well Guide

    Plan Well Guide is a free, advance serious illness planning tool. The guide can help you learn how serious illness decisions are made. You’ll learn about how important your values and preferences are in making those decisions. This guide can help you make a plan that clearly lets others, like your doctor, family and substitute decision-maker, know what you want for your care. By doing your serious illness planning ahead of time, you’re more likely to get the medical care that’s right for you. It can also lower the stress and anxiety your family member’s will have if they need to make life or death decisions for you.

  • Disability Related Resources
    Alberta Association for Community Living

    A family-based, non-profit federation that advocates on behalf of individuals with developmental disabilities and their families.

    Alberta Committee of Citizens with Disabilities

    A consumer directed organization that actively promotes full participation in society for Albertans with disabilities.

  • Seniors Resources
    Alberta Council on Aging

    Voluntary Organization that includes groups, individuals and agencies in Alberta. They seek to understand the impacts of aging on individuals and society. They work to address the impacts of aging as well as publish and distribute information about aging.

    Edmonton Seniors Coordinating Council (Edmonton)

    Helps organizations plan and collaborate to improve programs and services for seniors. We are a communication hub for the senior sector. They have guides and information about mobility and transportation. They work to create an age friendly Edmonton

    SAGE (The Seniors Association of Greater Edmonton)

    Builds and maintains programs and services to improve the quality of life of seniors and their families. They provide information about finance and legal issues, as well as housing and elder abuse. They also offer computer access for seniors.

    Alberta Elder Abuse Awareness Network

    A network of Albertans dedicated to increasing awareness and supporting a community response to elder abuse.

    Parent Giving

    How to Get Free or Low-Cost Disposable Adult Diapers

    Hospice Calgary – Life’s Last Chapter

    This booklet (which can be ordered via the link above) is intended to help those who are at the end-of-life, or those who are supporting a loved one, understand the final stages of life.

    Male Menopause Mental Health Guide

    In this guide, all aspects of the male menopause are discussed: from spotting the early signs, to finding out what you can do to alleviate the symptoms. This is a resource on how to cope with the challenges of the andropause.

    Plan Well Guide

    Plan Well Guide is a free, advance serious illness planning tool. The guide can help you learn how serious illness decisions are made. You’ll learn about how important your values and preferences are in making those decisions. This guide can help you make a plan that clearly lets others, like your doctor, family and substitute decision-maker, know what you want for your care. By doing your serious illness planning ahead of time, you’re more likely to get the medical care that’s right for you. It can also lower the stress and anxiety your family member’s will have if they need to make life or death decisions for you.

  • Illness or Disability Specific Organizations

    A

    ALS Society of Alberta

    Assists people with ALS by providing access to information, referrals, home visits, equipment, assistive technology, support groups and education. As well they are involved in awareness, advocacy and ALS research.

    Alzheimer Society of Canada

    The Alzheimer Society provides support, information and education to people with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias, families, physicians and health-care providers.

    Alzheimer Calgary

    Offers support , information and education to people with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias, and their caregivers in the Calgary area.

    B

    Brain Care Centre

    Assists with service coordination, provides information and hosts support groups for those affected by an acquired brain injury, including family members and caregivers.

    Brain Injury Canada

    Brain Injury Canada (BIC) is a national charitable organization for the brain injury community in Canada. Our mission is to advance awareness, education, opportunities and support through programs and advocacy, empowering people living with acquired brain injury, families/caregivers, health care workers, researchers, and the general public through knowledge.

    We have a vision for a better quality of life for all people affected by acquired brain injury in Canada. Our resource website features online resources, education and events for our community. BIC has also launched an interactive service directory, Brain Injury Canada Connect, featuring services, organizations and associations to help connect brain injury survivors and caregivers with resources.

    Canadian Breast Cancer Network

    The Canadian Breast Cancer Network (CBCN) is a survivor-directed, national network of organizations and individuals. CBCN is a national link between all groups and individuals concerned about breast cancer, and represents the concerns of all Canadians affected by breast cancer and those at risk.

    Canadian Cancer Society

    Funds research on all types of cancer, provides the public with comprehensive information about cancer and risk reduction, advocates for healthy public policy, and offers supportive care services to cancer patients, family members and friends.

    Canadian Mental Health Association

    A nation-wide voluntary organization that promotes the mental health of all and supports people experiencing mental illness. There are local chapters the bigger Alberta municipalities.

    Canadian Liver Foundation

    The Canadian Liver Foundations mandate is to promote liver health and to reduce the incidence and impact of all liver disease. They work through volunteer chapters across the country to improve public awareness and understanding of liver health and liver disease, raise funds for research and reach out to liver disease patients and their families.

    E

    Epilepsy Canada

    Provides information on different types of epilepsy and seizures on their website, as well as information specific to children and teens. They also have downloadable brochures about seizures in different age groups and treatment options. Provides tips on living with epilepsy and understanding epilepsy.

    Edmonton Epilepsy Association (Northern Alberta)

    Provides peer support, support groups, referrals, advocacy and recreational programs for people with Epilepsy or parents of someone with Epilepsy. Also provides information and resources about epilepsy.

    The Epilepsy Association of Calgary

    Offices in Calgary and Red Deer. Provides a variety of support programs for people with epilepsy and community education programs. They provide information counselling, support groups, advocacy and courses about epilepsy.

    H

    Huntington Society of Canada

    The Huntington Society of Canada aspires for a world free from Huntington disease. The Society maximizes the quality of life of people living with HD by: Delivering services; Enabling others to understand the disease and; Furthering research to slow and to prevent Huntington disease.

    Heart & Stroke

    For more than 60 years, Heart & Stroke has been dedicated to fighting heart disease and stroke.

    Helpful resources:

    K

    The Kidney Foundation of Canada

    Assists to help kidney patients locate the information and resources they need to learn more about how they can manage kidney disease, and the impact it has on their lives. Regardless of where you live in Canada, these services are available to you. The Kidney Foundation promotes a better understanding of kidney disease and of support and resources available to all patients.

    M

    Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada

    The only national voluntary organization in Canada that supports both MS research and services for people with MS and their families. Has a provincial office in Edmonton, where they provide information and resources for people living with or affected by MS.

    Mesothelioma

    Mesothelioma is a deadly and incurable cancer caused by inhaled asbestos fibers. Most cases develop in the lining of the lungs or abdomen. Mesothelioma has a poor prognosis and an average life expectancy of about 12-21 months after diagnosis.

    Helpful resources:

    P

    Parkinson Alberta

    Parkinson Alberta is here to help people living with Parkinson’s, their family, friends and caregivers through Support Services and Education. The Society provides service to central and northern Alberta including: Edmonton, Camrose, Westlock, Wetaskiwin, Lloydminster, St. Albert, Sherwood Park, Grande Prairie, Stony Plain and Spruce Grove.

    S

    Schizophrenia Society of Canada

    Offers a variety of information and programs that work to: raise awareness and educate the public to help reduce stigma and discrimination, support families and individuals, advocate for legislative change and improved treatment and services, and support research through the SSC Foundation and other independent efforts.

    Spinal Cord Injury Alberta (previously Canadian Paraplegic Association – Alberta)

    Assists persons with spinal cord injuries and other physical disabilities to achieve independence, self reliance and full community participation. Offers peer counselling and support, vocational/employment services, information services and rehabilitation counselling. Has an online message board.

  • Advance Serious Illness and end-of-life planning
    Alberta Hospice Palliative Care Association

    AHPCA helps Albertans access good quality hospice palliative care resources. They maintain a province-wide Resource Directory, searchable by community, to help Albertans find palliative care resources in their area.

    Pilgrims Hospice (Edmonton)

    The hospice was established as a provider of family centered end-of-life care, caregiver support and bereavement services for children, teens, families and adults. Pilgrims Hospice is committed to helping people diagnosed with a life-limiting illness. It is equally important to help ease the challenges that face their loved ones. They advocate for quality, palliative care on behalf of their clients and their families.

    Hospice Calgary

    Hospice Calgary provides compassionate care, support, education and hope to thousands of men, women and children whose lives have been altered by death. Hospice Calgary can provide you and those you care about, with the support and/or referral information you feel you need, for as long as you feel you need it. Hospice Calgary offers a wide range of specialized support and bereavement services (before, during and after death.)

    Hospice Calgary – Life’s Last Chapter

    This booklet (which can be ordered via the link above) is intended to help those who are at the end-of-life, or those who are supporting a loved one, understand the final stages of life.

    Canadian Virtual Hospice

    The Canadian Virtual Hospice provides support and personalized information about palliative and end-of-life care to patients, family members, health care providers, researchers and educators.

    Hospice Net

    An informative website that covers a variety of topics related to hospice care, including information for patients, children and caregivers on end-of-life care, grief and bereavement.

    Plan Well Guide

    Plan Well Guide is a free, advance serious illness planning tool. The guide can help you learn how serious illness decisions are made. You’ll learn about how important your values and preferences are in making those decisions. This guide can help you make a plan that clearly lets others, like your doctor, family and substitute decision-maker, know what you want for your care. By doing your serious illness planning ahead of time, you’re more likely to get the medical care that’s right for you. It can also lower the stress and anxiety your family member’s will have if they need to make life or death decisions for you.

  • Cultural Groups
    ASSIST Community Services Center

    The ASSIST Community Services Centre has been working to build the community for over 30 years. The Centre aims to provide diversified services to Canadian immigrants and their offspring, helping them integrate into mainstream society and actively contribute.

    Jewish Family Services (Edmonton)

    Jewish Family Services is not only for the Jewish Community. With the exception of certain programs that are geared for a Jewish clientele, our services are offered to the greater Edmonton community. Services include: counseling, bereavement support, advocacy, support for seniors and help settling into the community.

  • Government
    Canada Revenue Agency

    The Canada Revenue Agency provides information on taxes and filing claims.

    Alberta Health Services

    Helps you locate doctors, hospitals and programs run by AHS, as well as find information about health care via both their website and HealthLINK: 1-866-408-5465.

    Health Canada

    Health Canada is the Federal department responsible for helping Canadians maintain and improve their health, while respecting individual choices and circumstances.

    Public Health Agency of Canada

    Provides specific information about infections and chronic diseases, topics related to health and safety and focuses on providing information relevant to your health.

    Government of Alberta – Seniors & Community Supports

    Alberta Seniors and Community Supports is responsible for Seniors Services, Disability Supports, Community Support Programs and Strategic Planning.

  • RAPP Caregiver Infographics

    RAPP (Research on Aging, Policies and Practice) collaborated with Caregivers Alberta to raise awareness about family caregivers in Alberta. RAPP has co-created with provincial advocacy and government stakeholders two infographics: one on the economic costs and contributions of caregivers in Alberta; a second on the impact of caregiving on their well-being.

  • Theravive - Licensed counselling

    Theravive (Licensed counseling near you, 24/7. Low cost options.)

*Caregivers Alberta is not responsible for the content of these external sites and does not monitor the sites accuracy. These links do not imply an endorsement or support of any of the listed programs, products, or services.