Have you used emergency services for respite?

Caring for a loved one can be incredibly demanding.

If you have ever found yourself bringing a family member to the emergency department simply because you needed a moment of respite, we would greatly value the opportunity to speak with you and learn what supports would make a difference.

The Ontario Caregiver Organization has two opportunities for caregivers to help us raise awareness of the challenges caregivers face and the impact it has on the health and wellness of caregivers:

Online Focus Groups

The Ontario Caregiver Organization is conducting online focus groups to explore these experiences.

  • Sessions will be held on Wednesday, December 17 at 5:30 p.m. and Thursday, December 18 at 7:30 p.m.
  • Participants will receive $200, provided via e-transfer, in appreciation for their time.
  • A Zoom link will be provided to confirmed participants.
  • These discussions are being facilitated by Pollara Strategic Insights, an independent Canadian market research firm. If you are interested in participating, please contact Lesli Martin at       LesliMartin@pollara.com.
  • Note: If you expressed interest to participate in our upcoming focus group about programs and services, you can still apply for this opportunity if the topic is relevant to you.

Engaging Media

The OCO is also engaging media on this topic and there may be interest in talking to a caregiver. If you are interested in participating in a media interview please contact Danielle Cowen, Executive Lead, Communications at daniellec@ontariocaregiver.ca. If you prefer to remain anonymous, that can be accommodated.


Caring for a loved one can be incredibly demanding.

If you have ever found yourself bringing a family member to the emergency department simply because you needed a moment of respite, we would greatly value the opportunity to speak with you and learn what supports would make a difference.

The Ontario Caregiver Organization has two opportunities for caregivers to help us raise awareness of the challenges caregivers face and the impact it has on the health and wellness of caregivers:

Online Focus Groups

The Ontario Caregiver Organization is conducting online focus groups to explore these experiences.

  • Sessions will be held on Wednesday, December 17 at 5:30 p.m. and Thursday, December 18 at 7:30 p.m.
  • Participants will receive $200, provided via e-transfer, in appreciation for their time.
  • A Zoom link will be provided to confirmed participants.
  • These discussions are being facilitated by Pollara Strategic Insights, an independent Canadian market research firm. If you are interested in participating, please contact Lesli Martin at       LesliMartin@pollara.com.
  • Note: If you expressed interest to participate in our upcoming focus group about programs and services, you can still apply for this opportunity if the topic is relevant to you.

Engaging Media

The OCO is also engaging media on this topic and there may be interest in talking to a caregiver. If you are interested in participating in a media interview please contact Danielle Cowen, Executive Lead, Communications at daniellec@ontariocaregiver.ca. If you prefer to remain anonymous, that can be accommodated.