A family caregiver wrapping her arms around her spouse.

Caring for those who care for others.

Over 8 million Canadians devote their lives to loved ones. For them, caring is more than an act of kindness, it’s an everyday commitment. We believe that caregivers need support too, and we are focusing our efforts on this important cause.
 1 in 4 Canadians is a caregiver
Many of us take on the role of family caregiver for a friend or loved one who needs support.
Over 51% are overwhelmed
Caregivers are often worried, anxious and tired because of caregiving responsibilities.
19 hours per week on average
This time spent caregiving is in addition to paid work and other family commitments.

Meet caregivers who have shared their story.

These personal experiences highlight some of the many challenges faced by family caregivers across Canada.

  • A caregiving profile picture of Kevin Metz.
    Meet Kevin

    Raising kids can be tough, but Kevin’s story shows how caring for two with neurological disorders can be both challenging and isolating.

  • A caregiving profile picture of Sheila Innes.
    Meet Sheila

    With her aging parent seeking to maintain his independence, hear how Sheila stepped up in ways that were entirely new to her.

  • A caregiving profile picture of Bruce Pratt.
    Meet Bruce

    When his wife was diagnosed with cancer Bruce’s life changed overnight.

Working together to care for caregivers.

Through our valued network, we enable and amplify the work of organizations supporting family caregivers in Canada.
Meet some of the organizations that we have funded.
An image of a caregiver from the Baycrest Foundation.

Baycrest Foundation

Together with Baycrest, we’re creating online training modules to support family caregivers. Discover how demanding caregiving can really be.
An image of a caregiver from Community Care City of Kawartha Lakes.

Community Care City of Kawartha Lakes

Our funding enabled Community Care CKL to provide caregiver respite via transportation services for their loved ones.
A diverse group of caregivers.

Association of Neighbourhood Houses BC

Mount Pleasant Neighbourhood House focuses on supporting, enabling caregivers through support circles, resource referral, care management.
A family caregiver standing beside a man.

Circle of Care

With our funding, Circle of Care created the Caregivers Club, to support and recognize caregivers when they need it most.

Resources and Links.

Understanding what it takes to be a family caregiver is difficult, but there are experts in the field who can help.

eLearning Modules

Caregiving looks different from person to person and situation to situation. Learn how to identify, engage and support caregivers with a framework of best practices.
A woman sitting in front of laptop completing caregiving courses.
Module 1: This eLearning module will help you understand the difficult work of caregivers and it will describe some of the factors that can influence the caregiving experience.

Start training module 1
Module 2:  This eLearning module will help you have a supportive conversation with a caregiver.

Start training module 2

Caregiving in Canada: Challenges and Opportunities Shaping a National Conversation

Read what we learned from thought leaders and advocates in the caregiving industry.
An image of a person scrolling on a tablet.

In October 2020, our virtual roundtables brought together thought leaders and advocates in the caregiving industry. We brought these experts together to inform our work in the caregiving sector, and to better understand the key issues and opportunities that caregivers face every day.

We hope to continue to host these gatherings on a regular basis, to ensure our work is based on the knowledge and insights of those who work everyday to support the broad diversity of caregiver needs across Canada.

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Show caregivers that they are appreciated for their patience and compassion.
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Frequently asked questions.

What is your definition of a family caregiver?
How can I make a donation?
Do you provide tax receipts?
Beyond charitable grants, what other charitable activities will you undertake?
How is the Petro-Canada CareMakers Foundation funded?
When can I apply for funding?
Who is eligible to receive funding from the Petro-Canada CareMakers Foundation?
Who makes up the Board of Directors?
I am a family caregiver in need of support. What resources are available to me?
I'm looking for more information. How can I contact you?