🍁 Canada: Partner & Caregiver Resources
Caregiver programs and services vary across Canada. This page can help partners, spouses, caregivers, and families find caregiver support, financial assistance, provincial resources, prostate cancer programs, and other practical help.
Start with the resources that best fit what you need, then check your province or territory for programs and services available where you live.
📍 Find Caregiver Help in Your Province or Territory
Caregiver programs differ across Canada. Your province or territory may offer caregiver support, respite services, home care, financial assistance, education, and other programs for family caregivers.
The Canadian Centre for Caregiving Excellence provides caregiver resources and information that can help you find support and learn about services available across Canada.
💰 Financial & Employment Support for Caregivers
Canadian caregivers may qualify for federal financial or employment support when caregiving affects their ability to work or when they support a family member with a serious illness. Eligibility depends on the caregiver's circumstances and the needs of the person receiving care.
(EI) Caregiving BenefitsEmployment Insurance
Eligible caregivers who need time away from work to care for or support someone who is critically ill, injured, or receiving end-of-life care may qualify for Employment Insurance caregiving benefits. Canada offers different benefits depending on the situation, including benefits for caregivers of adults and compassionate care benefits.
🍁 Featured Canadian Program: PC-PEP
PC-PEP (Prostate Cancer Patient Empowerment Program)
PC-PEP is a Canadian six-month home-based empowerment program created to support men and families navigating prostate cancer treatment and recovery.
The program combines education, exercise, pelvic floor support, stress reduction, nutrition guidance, emotional connection, and community support to help individuals and couples feel less isolated during treatment and survivorship.
PC-PEP is a free six-month home-based empowerment program available for men diagnosed with prostate cancer anywhere in the world. Partners and caregivers are encouraged to participate alongside their loved ones.
PC-PEP also offers outreach and support opportunities for underserved and underrepresented groups, including LGBTQ+ individuals, rural families, younger men, Indigenous men, Black men, and partners and caregivers.
Shared with permission from Dr. Gabriela Ilie and the PC-PEP program.
📺 PC-PEP Videos & Documentaries
Empower — shared with permission from PC-PEP and Dr. Gabriela Ilie.
💙 Prostate Cancer Support in Canada
Prostate Cancer Foundation Canada
Prostate Cancer Foundation Canada provides free education and support for people affected by prostate cancer and their loved ones. Its support network includes local and virtual support groups across Canada, and partners, spouses, and support people are welcome at most meetings.
The Foundation also provides free prostate cancer information packages to patients and their loved ones throughout Canada.
Canadian Cancer Society
The Canadian Cancer Society provides information and support for people living with cancer, caregivers, families, and friends. Its Community Services Locator can help you find cancer-related services near you, including emotional support, home care, transportation, financial help, and caregiver support.
🛏️ Respite Care in Canada
Respite care gives family caregivers time away from their caregiving responsibilities. Depending on where you live, respite may be available in the home, through community programs, adult day services, or short-term residential care. Programs, costs, and eligibility vary by province and territory.
Because respite services are usually arranged at the provincial or local level, start with the caregiver resources for your province or territory or ask your healthcare team, home-care program, or local caregiver organization about respite options in your area.
☎️ Find Community & Social Services
211 Canada
211 can help connect people across Canada with community and social services in their area. Depending on where you live, you may find help with food, housing, transportation, mental health services, programs for older adults, caregiver support, and other practical needs.
🌻 A Note About Canadian Resources
Programs, services, and eligibility requirements can change. If you don't find what you need here, check with your provincial or territorial health service, your healthcare team, or a local caregiver organization. They may know about programs available in your community.
For additional caregiver organizations and resources organized by type of help, visit the Caregiver Support Directory.