On Caregivers Day, Niagara Caregivers Share Their Stories and Call for Better Support

St. Catharines, ON – On Caregivers Day, we recognize the thousands of people across Niagara who quietly care for loved ones, friends, and neighbours.

This year, nearly 400 caregivers across Niagara shared their stories through a regional survey led by the Palliative Care Working Group of the Niagara Ontario Health Team – Équipe Santé Ontario Niagara (NOHT-ÉSON).

Stories of sitting at bedsides.

Of managing medications and appointments.

Of balancing work, family, and caregiving.

Of exhaustion, uncertainty, and love.

These are not just caregiving tasks.

They are human experiences, often lived during some of the most difficult moments of life.

The survey revealed that while caregiving is deeply meaningful, it is too often unsupported, overwhelming, and difficult to navigate.

What Caregivers Told Us

Caregivers across Niagara shared a consistent message:

• 82% did not fully understand what to expect at the beginning of their caregiving journey
• 61% experienced impacts on work or education
• 70% had difficulty accessing services when they needed them
• Many described feeling overwhelmed or unsupported at key moments

Caregivers spoke about stepping into their role without a roadmap—trying to make the best decisions they could, often without clear guidance.

One caregiver described the experience simply: “Trying to connect the dots … it’s exhausting.”

Caregiving Is Happening Everywhere

Across Niagara, caregiving is happening every day:

• In homes
• In hospital rooms
• In long-term care settings
• In countless quiet, unseen moments

Caregivers are:

• Supporting parents, partners, children, friends, and neighbours
• Providing many hours of care each week—often equivalent to a full-time role
• Carrying both emotional and practical responsibilities

And often, they are doing this while trying to navigate a complex system on their own.

Recognizing the Reality of Caregiving

“Caregivers didn’t just complete a survey — they shared deeply personal stories about caring for people they love, often during the most difficult times in their lives,” said Carol Nagy, Co-Chair of the Palliative Care Working Group of the NOHT-ÉSON.

“On Caregivers Day, we recognize not only what caregivers do, but what they carry. What we heard is clear: caregivers need better information, support, and guidance from the very beginning.”

Language, Inclusion and Feeling Understood

Francophone caregivers reminded us that feeling supported begins with being understood:

“C’est difficile de comprendre les services quand ce n’est pas dans ma langue,” said one respondent.

Their experiences highlight the importance of:

• Care in one’s preferred language
• Inclusive, accessible communication
• Feeling confident and informed when navigating care

Turning Stories into Action

Caregivers shared their experiences in the hope that the system can improve for others.

Across Niagara, organizations are working together through NOHT-ÉSON, in partnership with the Caregiver Network of Niagara, to strengthen caregiver supports, including:

• Earlier access to clear, practical information
• Better coordination across providers and services
• Expanded emotional and peer support
• Improved access to respite
• Stronger navigation supports

“Caregivers told us what it feels like to do this work — and what would make a difference,” said Alexandra Plato, Coordinator of the Caregiver Network of Niagara.

“On Caregivers Day, we want caregivers to know they are not alone and that their voices are helping to shape a more supportive system across Niagara.”

A Message to Caregivers

Today, and every day, we recognize you — for what you do, for what you carry, and for the care you give.

You are not alone.

You are not invisible.

And your story matters.

Learn More or Get Support

For more information about the survey or to access caregiving resources, please contact:

Alexandra Plato
Caregiver Network of Niagara
aplato@hospiceniagara.ca