Helpful care guidance for families and caregivers.

A care plan helps families organize what support is needed, when it is needed, and how everyone involved can stay on the same page. It does not need to be complicated — it just needs to be clear.

What to include in a simple care plan

• Current concerns such as falls, meals, hygiene, medication reminders, loneliness, memory changes, or transportation.
• Preferred routines, wake-up times, meal preferences, cultural preferences, mobility needs, and communication style.
• Emergency contacts, doctor information, pharmacy details, allergies, and important health notes.
• Days and times when family members can help, and where outside care may be needed.
• A list of tasks that would make life safer or easier at home.

When to ask for additional support

• Family caregivers feel exhausted or overwhelmed.
• A loved one is missing meals, appointments, medications, or routines.
• There are safety concerns at home, including falls or confusion.
• A loved one feels isolated or is spending long periods alone.

Families may use a mix of public care, private home care, community programs, and family support. The right option depends on eligibility, health needs, schedule, service area, and how much help is needed.

Common types of support

• Publicly funded home and community care through Ontario Health atHome, depending on eligibility and assessment.
• Community programs such as meal delivery, adult day programs, caregiver support, transportation, and friendly visiting.
• Private home care for flexible help with companionship, respite, routines, meals, errands, and wellness checks.
• Family-led support for emotional connection, decision-making, advocacy, and regular check-ins.

Helpful next steps

• Contact Ontario Health atHome to ask about assessment and publicly funded home care options.
• Search 211 Ontario for local community services and caregiver support programs.
• Contact Trillium if your family needs flexible private support at home.

Respite care gives family caregivers time to rest, work, attend appointments, travel, or handle personal responsibilities while their loved one continues receiving support.

Respite care may help when

• A caregiver feels emotionally or physically exhausted.
• A family member needs a predictable break every week.
• A loved one needs supervision, companionship, or routine support while family is away.
• Care needs have increased after illness, surgery, hospitalization, or a new diagnosis.

Respite support may include

• Companionship and conversation.
• Meal support, reminders, and daily routine assistance.
• Wellness checks and family updates.
• Support during stressful periods or transitions.

Dementia and Alzheimer’s can affect routines, memory, communication, mood, safety, and caregiver stress. A calm, consistent care plan can help families create a safer and more supportive home environment.

Practical home support ideas

• Keep daily routines simple, familiar, and consistent.
• Reduce clutter, improve lighting, and remove common fall hazards.
• Use gentle reminders and calm redirection when confusion happens.
• Label important areas or items if it helps your loved one feel oriented.
• Plan extra support during times when confusion, anxiety, or restlessness is higher.

When families may need help

• A loved one is wandering, missing meals, forgetting appointments, or becoming isolated.
• Caregivers are not getting enough rest.
• There are concerns about safety, supervision, or changes in behaviour.

Meal routines can be one of the first signs that a loved one needs extra support. Missed meals, expired food, dehydration, low energy, or unsafe cooking can create bigger concerns over time.

What families can watch for

• Food spoiling in the fridge or cupboards becoming empty.
• Weight changes, dehydration, or reduced appetite.
• Difficulty cooking safely or remembering to eat.
• Less energy, confusion, or mood changes linked to poor nutrition.

Ways support can help

• Meal planning and simple meal preparation.
• Encouraging hydration and regular meals.
• Checking food supplies and helping with grocery lists.
• Creating familiar routines that feel comfortable and respectful.

Transportation support can help seniors stay connected to medical appointments, groceries, errands, community programs, and everyday routines.

Common transportation needs

• Medical appointments, dental appointments, pharmacy visits, and follow-up care.
• Groceries, errands, banking, and personal tasks.
• Community programs, social visits, and faith/community events.
• Support getting ready before an appointment and settling back in afterward.

Helpful planning tips

• Keep appointment information, address, parking details, and contact numbers in one place.
• Plan extra time for mobility, weather, traffic, and check-in.
• Use 211 Ontario to search for local transportation programs if needed.

Caregiver burnout can build slowly. Asking for help earlier can protect both the caregiver and the loved one receiving care.

Signs a caregiver may need support

• Feeling constantly tired, overwhelmed, frustrated, or alone.
• Missing sleep, meals, work responsibilities, or personal appointments.
• Feeling guilty about needing a break.
• Having less patience or feeling emotionally drained.

Ways to reduce burnout

• Schedule regular breaks before exhaustion becomes severe.
• Share responsibilities with family members where possible.
• Use respite care, companion care, or wellness checks for added support.
• Connect with caregiver support programs, helplines, or peer groups.

Families should take safety concerns seriously, especially when there are sudden changes in mobility, mood, communication, finances, living conditions, or fearfulness.

Home safety reminders

• Remove loose rugs, clutter, and tripping hazards.
• Improve lighting in hallways, stairs, bathrooms, and entrances.
• Keep emergency contacts and medical information easy to find.
• Check for changes in nutrition, hygiene, medication routines, and home cleanliness.

Elder abuse warning signs may include

• Unexplained injuries, fearfulness, isolation, or sudden mood changes.
• Unusual financial activity, missing money, pressure from others, or confusion about finances.
• Neglect, lack of basic needs, or unsafe living conditions.
• Being prevented from seeing family, friends, or service providers.

After a hospital stay, families may need temporary support while a loved one rebuilds routines, strength, confidence, and safety at home.

Before coming home

• Confirm discharge instructions, follow-up appointments, and medication changes.
• Ask the care team about mobility restrictions, wound care, diet instructions, and warning signs.
• Prepare the home by clearing pathways, organizing meals, and placing essentials nearby.
• Ask about Ontario Health atHome or community referrals if eligible.

Short-term support may include

• Wellness checks after returning home.
• Meal preparation, reminders, and light housekeeping.
• Transportation to follow-up appointments.
• Companionship and routine support while family adjusts.

Care planning often includes financial planning. Families may need to check benefit plans, private insurance, tax guidance, and available government or community programs.

Helpful steps

• Review whether private insurance, benefits, or health spending accounts may support care-related costs.
• Keep invoices, care summaries, receipts, and provider details organized.
• Ask your insurance provider what documentation is required before starting care.
• Speak with an accountant, benefits provider, or financial advisor for personal advice.

Keep these resources saved so family members can quickly find support, information, referrals, and trusted services.

Quick contact list

• Trillium Support Services: (866) 531-5058
• Ontario Caregiver Helpline: 1-833-416-2273
• Ontario Health atHome: 1-833-515-1234
• 211 Ontario: call 2-1-1 or search online for community services.
• Seniors Safety Line: 1-866-299-1011
• Emergency: 911

Official resource links

• Ontario Caregiver Organization for caregiver support, helpline access, and caregiver education.
• Ontario Health atHome for publicly funded home and community care access.
• 211 Ontario for social services, community supports, and local programs.
• Ontario Seniors Guide for government programs, caregiving, health, housing, transportation, and safety information.
• Elder Abuse Prevention Ontario and the Seniors Safety Line for elder abuse information and support.