Wellness Programs

Though essential, it can be challenging for caregivers to put themselves first. We support initiatives that allow caregivers to explore their own health and wellness, so they can be fulfilled inside and outside of their caregiving roles.

Acceptance and Commitment Training for Adult Siblings

Acceptance and Commitment Training (ACT) is a method that allows individuals to develop tools to manage difficult feelings and life events that are beyond their control in a respectful and mindful way.

Siblings Canada and Queen’s University are offering a six-week ACT training workshop specifically for adult siblings of people with an intellectual disability or autism.

Visit our events page to learn more about upcoming programs.

Mindfulness for Family Caregivers

As part of our commitment to support the health and wellness of caregivers in Canada, the Canadian Centre for Caregiving Excellence is working with the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) Azrieli Adult Neurodevelopmental Centre to offer a six-week mindfulness program to learn and practice mindfulness skills for family caregivers, including those who provide care to people with disabilities, those who are aging, and those experiencing a challenging illness.

The program is led by Sue Hutton, a mindfulness teacher with over 30 years of experience. The weekly sessions are designed for participants to learn and practice mindfulness skills to reduce stress and improve their quality of life.

Visit our Events page for upcoming sessions.

Relax, Recharge, Renew

CCCE is working with Destination Toronto – Toronto’s Tourism agency and, Community Living Toronto (CLTO), Reena, Safehaven, to give Toronto caregivers a break.

The Relax, Recharge, Renew initiative offers two-night getaways to Toronto parents or primary caregivers of people with complex care needs. Toronto hotels, restaurants, attractions and other businesses in the tourism and hospitality community provide the donations that make Relax, Recharge, Renew possible; the weekends include car transfers, a two-night hotel stay, tickets to attractions and/or events, and meals.

CCCE coordinates the three disability respite agencies to ensure participating families have access to safe, appropriate, and excellent respite care during their break.

Families who access services through CLTO, Reena or Safehaven can contact their respite coordinator to inquire about their eligibility for the program.

A Social Prescription for Care

To improve the mental health and wellness of caregivers across Canada, CCCE is investing in a two-year pan-Canadian initiative, led by the Canadian Institute for Social Prescribing (CISP). Through this initiative, CISP will work directly with Caregivers Alberta, Caregivers Nova Scotia Family Caregivers of British Columbia and the Ontario Caregiver Organization to develop and expand social prescribing initiatives tailored to each organization’s unique needs.

Learn more about provincial social prescribing initiatives:

●          Caregivers Alberta

●          Caregivers Nova Scotia

●          Family Caregivers of British Columbia

●          Ontario Caregiver Organization

Research into the impacts of social prescribing have demonstrated success in decreasing loneliness, enhancing a sense of connectedness and improving mental health. Outcomes also include a reduction in visits healthcare teams and advance health equity by reducing barriers between health and social community care to support people’s immediate social needs