Above and Beyond Caregiver Recognition Program
Caregivers are a pivotal part of our broader health care system. Through their efforts and dedication, caregivers help to ensure neighbours, friends and loved ones can safely remain at home.
Launched on April 4, 2023 to coincide with National Caregiver Day, the Above and Beyond Caregiver Recognition Program was established to recognize, celebrate and support caregivers who make it possible for people to live their lives in their communities despite the impacts of age, illness or disability.
Following extensive research and engagement with our Community of Advisors and staff, two opportunities were identified:
Above and Beyond Caregiver Recognition Program – Coming Soon!
The broader Program will include the sharing of caregiver stories, learnings/resources, notes of gratitude and will offer opportunities for peer networking.
We are currently developing these resources based on the stories and feedback that was received during the Above and Beyond Caregiver Recognition event nomination process.
Above and Beyond Caregiver Recognition Event
With over 100 nominations from across the province, the inaugural Above and Beyond Caregiver Recognition hybrid event took place on May 10, 2023 to recognize the substantial efforts of unpaid caregivers across the province.
The event was simulcast across the province with in-person events taking place in Chatham, Hamilton, Toronto, Brampton and Markham. Locations were determined based on the nominee’s location.
Congratulations to the 2023 Above and Beyond Caregiver Recognition Category Recipients and Nominees
| Category | Criteria | Recipients |
|---|---|---|
| Young Caregiver | This category recognizes the extraordinary efforts of a friend or family member under the age of 30 years who has gone above and beyond to support the needs of a loved one. | Tannerr Jarrett Chatham Kent Amanda Ramkishun Mississauga |
| Caring With Courage | Through encouragement, empowerment and support, this caregiver has directly brought about positive change to their loved one's quality of life. | Melissa Brown Elmira William Fisher Fort Frances |
| Caring and Sharing | This caregiver is giving back to their community by helping and guiding others through sharing the knowledge and experience gained from their journey. | Pooja Sinha Toronto |
| Caregiver Team | Group of people (care team) that come together to support an individual in their home or community. | Michelle Bosomworth and Sons Waterloo |
| Caregiver Innovation | This caregiver(s) uses innovative and creative strategies to support an individual in their home or community. | Jen Catton Toronto John Wheeldon Brampton |
| Partner in Care | This caregiving partner has provided long standing and continued support to an individual in their home or community. | Lina Minichini Hamilton Hilary Scarborough |
If you were a 2023 nominee, and your name is missing from the list, please contact engagement@hccontario.ca
Event recording and photos – coming soon!
Event Materials
Nomination Criteria:
Home and Community Cares Support Services staff and community members were invited to nominate caregivers in their lives that met the following criteria.
- The caregiver(s) must live in Ontario
- The caregiver(s) must be providing care to a patient who has recently received or is currently receiving services through Home and Community Care Support Services
- Excludes paid or registered volunteer caregivers
For more information regarding the Above and Beyond Caregiver Recognition Program or Event, please contact the Community Engagement Team at engagement@hccontario.ca or call us toll-free at 1-855-276-3096.
Community Partner Spotlight
Ontario Caregiver Organization – Ontario Caregiver – Ontario Caregiver Organization
The Ontario Caregiver Organization (OCO) supports caregivers by being one point of access to information, so they can be successful in their role.
- Contact the Ontario Caregiver Organization helpline for 24/7 support – 1-833-416-2273
