Chapter 3: Coordinating services

Other organizations and groups

The people from my mom’s church pitched in for a grocery credit, and the pastor stopped by to visit and sat with Mom and me. I hardly ever went to church, but they still supported us.

Many churches, synagogues, mosques, and other places of worship offer support to caregivers. Some may be able to temporarily assist with financial hardship by paying a utility bill or giving grocery gift certificates.

Other groups, such as senior-serving organizations, may be able to assist with providing rides to doctors’ appointments. Some can call the person you are caring for every week just to give them someone else to speak with. This has been proven to be an effective, low-cost way of helping people feel more connected.

Most provinces and territories offer a 2-1-1 phone service that provides information about community-based organizations. You may want to call them, explain your situation, and see what might be available for you.

Words of wisdom

To find out more about the programs and services available in your location, ask your care coordinator or healthcare provider. Inquiring and researching the different programs, their contact information, and the registration process is a task that a family member or close friend could take on to help.