There have long been societies, trade unions, associations, corporations, political parties, organizations, activists, etc. that speak for the health needs of specific groups in Canadian society. Some have been around for many years and have played central roles in reducing disease, advocating for treatment, and bettering the overall quality of life for individuals, families and communities. But who speaks up for the family member, the neighbour or a friend who is there when needed to give care?
There is an Ontario organization that advocates for caregivers called the Ontario Caregiver Organization ontariocaregiver.ca. Its website states that “OCO was established in 2018 to improve the caregiving experience for Ontario’s 3.3 million caregivers – ordinary people, including children and youth, who provide physical and emotional support to a family member, partner, friend or neighbour.” With funding largely from the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Children Community and Social Services the OCO speaks up for the now 4 million caregivers in Ontario.
Katie Muirhead is the OCO’s Lead for the geographic region that includes Stratford and area. Katie was in town last fall on September 26th, October 31st and November 28th holding “office hours” at the Stratford Public Library. I met with her on October 31st in order to learn more about the OCO’s work, to explore some thoughts on homecare advocacy, and to brief her on Healthnext’s advocacy work in Stratford over the past year. One of the realities that OCO and Katie shed light on is the magnitude of caregiving in Ontario communities. The OCO’s website states, “Ontario’s 4 million caregivers play a critical role in the healthcare system, providing 75% of the care. They offer unique knowledge about patients that can improve care delivery and health outcomes. Research shows that actively involving caregivers as equal partners in all parts of healthcare contributes to achieving the quintuple AIM –improved patient experiences, improved provider experiences, enhanced health equity, improved healthcare outcomes and the value and efficiency of care.”
We all know of the unbelievable commitment that caregivers have to their mission. Homecare and caregivers need our support. OCO’s 2022/23 annual report reads “Last year 67% of Ontario’s 4 million caregivers said they reached their breaking point but knew that they had to keep going. Unpaid caregivers are increasingly in need of support and care; it is crucial to shed light on their needs and the needs of the patients they look after.”
In a long term care address to the Stratford City Council meeting of last April 11th, I suggested that at that very moment “ probably the majority of care in Stratford is taking place at home in the community.” The Ontario Caregiver Organization gives credence to that statement. Homecare and caregivers need our advocacy.