Empowering Niagara Patients and Caregivers in Navigating Life-Changing Diagnoses
Niagara Falls, ON – Patients and families facing serious illnesses often feel unprepared and overwhelmed. To empower individuals with tools and strategies to navigate life-changing diagnoses, Niagara residents are encouraged to attend Navigating a Life-Changing Diagnosis: 7 Keys for More Choice and Control on the evening of Thursday, April 10 at the Club Italia Banquet Centre in Niagara Falls.
Designed for patients, caregivers, and the public, this event will feature Dr. Sammy Winemaker, a palliative care physician, and Dr. Hsien Seow, a leading health systems researcher. Drawing from decades of experience, the speakers will share their insights to improve people’s experiences with the health care system, live well despite uncertainty, and feel hopeful and prepared every step of the way.
“We will all be caregivers at some point. This presentation will teach you skills to interact with the health care system so you can be more prepared for the journey ahead,” said Dr. Seow. “These 7 keys are simple, actionable and can be used by anyone. They are a game changer for patients and families.”
Ontario Health (OH) West Region is sponsoring fully funded palliative care education for patients and family caregivers who reside within the West Region of OH. This strategy aims to increase public awareness and provide education around palliative care services. Funding is provided for all registration fees for attendance.
Navigating a Life-Changing Diagnosis: 7 Keys for More Choice and Control is being hosted by the NOHT-ÉSON’s Palliative Care Working Group, Hospice Niagara, Niagara-on-the-Lake Community Palliative Care, and The Waiting Room Revolution.
Dr. Winemaker and Dr. Seow’s upcoming keynote presentation comes at a critical time for caregivers in Ontario. According to the Ontario Caregiver Organization’s December 2024 Spotlight Report, caregivers in Ontario are facing increasing challenges, with 67% of caregivers indicating that they have reached a breaking point but have no choice other than to continue to keep going. There are an estimated 4 million caregivers in Ontario.
Other findings contained in the report include:
- 34% of caregivers provide more than 10 hours of care per week
- 73% report their caregiving responsibilities have increased over the past 2 years
- Caregivers are spending an average of $641 per month on caregiving
- 25% have taken out a loan or are using a line of credit
- 43% have considered quitting their job to provide care
- 72% feel so burnt out they are not sure how they will continue
Rather than feeling powerless, event attendees will leave with actionable insights to improve their experience with the health care system, live well despite uncertainty, and feel hopeful and prepared every step of the way. They will also receive a copy of Hope for the Best, Plan for the Rest: 7 Keys for Navigating a Life-Changing Diagnosis.
EVENT DETAILS
Navigating a Life-Changing Diagnosis: 7 Keys for More Choice and Control
Date: Thursday, April 10, 2025
Location: Club Italia Banquet Centre (2525 Montrose Road, Niagara Falls)
Time:
- 4:00 PM – Doors open
- 6:00 – 7:00 PM – Keynote presentation by Drs. Sammy Winemaker and Hsien Seow
- 7:00 – 7:30 PM – Book signing
Register here by March 27 to secure your spot.
ABOUT THE AUTHORS
Dr. Hsien Seow, PhD: A Canada Research Chair in Palliative Care and Health System Innovation, Dr. Seow is a professor in the Department of Oncology at McMaster University and a leader in health care research, focusing on improving the patient and family experience.
Dr. Samantha Winemaker, MD: A renowned palliative care physician and clinical professor at McMaster University, Dr. Winemaker has received numerous awards for her work in advancing palliative care education for health professionals.
Together, Drs. Seow and Winemaker host The Waiting Room Revolution podcast, where they share stories from patients, health care providers, researchers, and caregivers to better prepare anyone facing a progressive, life-limiting diagnosis.
