💛 Help for Caregivers
Many older adults rely on family members, partners, or friends to help them manage their health and medications. This page is for people caring for older adults in Canada.
It does not replace advice from your own health-care provider or the provider of the person you care for.
You're doing important work
Caring for someone you love can be one of the most meaningful things you do — and also one of the most challenging. You are not alone.
1. 👥 Your role as a caregiver
Caregivers often help with:
💛 It's okay to have mixed feelings
This work can be meaningful, but also tiring. It is normal to feel worried, frustrated, or overwhelmed at times. These feelings don't mean you're failing — they mean you're human.
2. 💊 Helping with medications safely
Medications can be confusing, especially when there are many pills from different doctors. As a caregiver, you can help by:
- All prescription medications
- Over-the-counter medicines (such as pain or cold medicines)
- Vitamins and herbal products
⚠️ Important safety note
Do not change doses or stop medications on your own. Always speak with the doctor, nurse practitioner, or pharmacist first.
3. 📅 Preparing for medical appointments
You can help appointments go more smoothly by preparing ahead:
✅ Before the appointment
- Write down the main concerns or symptoms you have noticed
- Bring:
- The medication list or all pill bottles
- Recent blood pressure, blood sugar, or weight records if you keep them
- Any home monitoring device (such as a blood pressure machine), if asked
- Ask the person you care for what questions they want to ask
- Ask if they would like you in the room, or nearby, during the visit
📝 During the appointment
- Take notes, or ask the provider if you may record instructions on your phone
- Ask the provider to explain medical terms in simple language
- Repeat back what you heard, to make sure you understood correctly
💡 Helpful tip
If the appointment feels rushed, it's okay to say: "I want to make sure I understand. Can you explain that one more time?"
4. 👀 Watching for changes and warning signs
As a caregiver, you are often the first to notice changes. Pay attention to:
If you notice gradual changes or new concerns, call the person's regular health-care provider (family doctor, nurse practitioner, or clinic).
🚨 Call 911 immediately if you see:
- Severe chest pain
- Stroke symptoms (face drooping, arm weakness, speech difficulty)
- Major trouble breathing
- The person is very hard to wake
- Any situation that feels like an emergency
Trust your instincts. If something feels seriously wrong, get help immediately.
5. 🤝 Respecting independence and choices
Older adults may still be able to make their own decisions, even if they need help with some tasks. When possible:
Ask what the person wants help with, and what they prefer to do themselves
Include them in decisions about treatments, medications, and daily routines
Honor their preferences, even if they differ from your own
💡 If you're concerned about decision-making
If you are worried that the person's memory or decision-making is changing, talk with their health-care provider. They can help assess the situation and discuss options with you and the person you care for.
6. 💛 Taking care of yourself as a caregiver
Caring for someone else can affect your own physical and emotional health. It is not selfish to take care of yourself — it is necessary.
Try to maintain your own medical appointments and health routines
Reach out to other family members or friends when possible
Look for local caregiver support groups or online communities
Speak with your health-care provider if you feel burned out, anxious, or depressed
Even short breaks help — a walk, quiet time, or a cup of tea
If you are feeling overwhelmed or unsafe, reach out to a trusted health professional or support service.
Asking for help is a sign of strength, not failure.
7. ❓ Questions to ask health-care providers
You can print these questions and bring them to appointments:
📚 Canadian Caregiver Resources
These organizations offer support for caregivers across Canada:
💡 Local resources
Ask the person's health-care provider about caregiver support programs in your community. Many hospitals and health regions offer free programs for family caregivers.
⚠️ Important Disclaimer
The information on SeniorHealthGuide.ca is general and may not fit your exact situation. It is for education only.
It does not replace medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Only health professionals who know your medical history, and the history of the person you care for, can tell you what is right in your situation.
Never start, stop, or change any medication, or make major changes to diet or activity, without checking with a doctor, nurse practitioner, or pharmacist. For full details, see our disclaimer.