Inclusion and Underserved Communities

As we work to strengthen support systems for caregivers and care providers, we endeavour to identify and support equity-deserving groups that are marginalized or constrained by existing structures and practices.
 
We seek to build and nurture new networks and better understand the needs of caregivers and care providers from coast to coast to coast.

 With our roots in disability community, we embrace the principle of “nothing about us without us.” We value and invest in lived experience and co-design approaches.

Caregivers Care Providers

For Caregivers

Mapping caregiver needs and supports in Nunavut

There is limited information about the unique needs of caregivers in Nunavut. To help address this knowledge gap and improve caregiver conditions, CCCE is conducting a collaborative caregiver needs mapping exercise with the Nunavummi Disabilities Makinnasuiqtiit Society (NDMS).

With support our support, NDMS will: 

Facilitate culturally appropriate, Indigenous-led sharing circles for caregivers in 25.
Nunavut communities between 2021 and 2024.
Produce a report that outlines where services and supports are needed to improve the experiences of caregivers in the territory.
Identify practices and services that will fill gaps and create sustainable supports.

About NDMS 

NDMS is the only cross-disability organization in Nunavut. It supports people across their lifetime, from infants to Elders.

NDMS developed out of grassroots, community-based action. In 1999, Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. provided office space and staffing to a small group seeking to bring awareness and justice to people living with disabilities in Nunavut. In 2005, NDMS was incorporated as a society and became the representative organization for people living with disabilities in Nunavut. 

The mission of NDMS is to help all Nunavummit with disabilities achieve independence, self-determination and full citizenship.

Increasing support for Francophone caregivers outside of Quebec

There is a growing need for caregiving resources and supports in francophone communities across the country. CCCE partnered with L’Appui des proches aidants (an organization that supports caregivers in Quebec) for a three-year initiative to help address this gap.

During phase one, L’Appui des proches aidants conducted a mapping review of provincial, territorial and pan-Canadian organizations serving Francophone caregivers as well as a needs assessment study with organizations across Canada. A video and infographic have been prepared to review their findings of phase 1.

Explore their findings below:

View Infographic

Watch Video

About L’Appui des proches aidants 

Since 2009, the mission of l’Appui pour les proches aidants has been to promote the well-being and quality of life of caregivers. The organization offers several services, including: 

The Caregiver Support Helpline, a consultation, information and referral service, 7 days a week, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. by phone at +1 855 852-7784 and email at [email protected].
The Resource Directory
Online training programs for caregivers

L’Appui pour les proches aidants supports organizations across the province of Québec that help caregivers and advocate for better experiences.

A young white man with Down syndrome and a young Black man with a beard smiling with their arms around each other.

For Care Providers

Supporting health care providers in Indigenous communities in Alberta

CCCE is supporting researchers at the University of Alberta to learn about current barriers and opportunities for supporting Indigenous family caregivers.

The research team interviewed caregivers, health and community care providers and leaders in the Samson Cree Nation and Enoch Communities in Alberta to develop an understanding of the current barriers to supporting Indigenous caregivers.

Research Highlights: 

Challenges faced by Indigenous caregivers include difficulty navigating systems, delayed assessment and treatment, disconnected health records, and racism.
Caregivers indicated that they felt that their needs and well-being are not prioritized in current policy or programs and experienced challenges working with the many levels of government to access programs and services in the community.
Social determinants of health such as poverty, housing, safe water, and lack of trust in the system make caregiving more difficult for caregivers.

Recommendations: 

Meaningful holistic system change is needed to support Indigenous caregivers.
Caregivers need to be recognized for their role and provided with culturally safe care, improvements in home care support and respite, enhanced navigation support and timely access to services.
Care providers require a comprehensive grounding in cultural awareness, improved orientation, and support for their health and wellbeing.