Caregiving can take many forms, and every caregiver’s role is different and important. When we say “caregiver” we’re talking about anyone who helps support someone living with MS. This could be a partner, family member, friend, or even a neighbor – anyone who’s helping with daily tasks, offering emotional support, going to appointments, or simply being there through ups and downs.
The bond between someone living with a chronic disease like MS and their caregiver can be very strong and positive. At the same time, caregiving can also be challenging – it can take a toll emotionally and physically, and at times, it can feel exhausting.
No matter how much caregiving you do – whether it’s a little or a lot – it’s important to remember to take care of yourself too.
Caring in Canada is a publication that highlights statistics and challenges about caregiving in Canada.
We understand the important role caregivers play, and we’re committed to supporting you with helpful information and resources.
Click here to see how our Government Relations team is working to advocate for caregivers.
MS Canada Caregiver Supports
We know that for people who provide informal care to loved ones with MS, certain topics and needs can be hard to talk about. Connecting with others who are in similar situations can provide comfort, support and understanding.
- The 1:1 Peer Support Program is a telephone/online-based program for people living with MS and their caregivers. You or the person you care for may be newly diagnosed, you may have a specific question, or maybe you’re dealing with an issue related to MS. Sometimes the best person to talk to is someone who’s had similar experiences. Volunteers from across Canada are given extensive training to ensure they have the skills to best support you.
- Virtual MS Caregiver Peer Group: A nationwide virtual MS Peer Support Group for MS Caregivers is offered the 2nd Sunday of each month at 3:00pm ET. Bringing together spouses, partners plus other family and friends who support people living with an MS diagnosis (or allied disease) - to talk about overcoming challenges, navigating supports, sharing tips and personal stories. Offered on Zoom. To sign up for the virtual group email supportgroups@mscanada.ca
- Community Caregiver Support Groups: In-person and virtual supports are available in certain cities throughout Canada. See HERE to search for groups near you.
- We Talk MS: We Talk MS is an online mentoring program, community forum, safe space, and support group all rolled into one. It’s a place where peers in our MS community can connect with each other informally, share information, and support one another. This initiative is hosted by the platform PushFar. Whether you want to chat about your future living with MS or are making peace with someone’s diagnosis, We Talk MS can connect you with someone to talk to. See HERE to learn more and to register for We Talk MS.
For more information about these programs contact the MS Navigators: 1-844-859-6789 or msnavigators@mscanada.ca
Caregiver Informative Resources
MS Canada Informative Videos for Caregivers:
Care That’s Not a Bubble Bath: The Concept of Two Cups of Tea: October 2022
Living with Grief Long Before Death: June 2018
"I don't know what to say"... Beginning Difficult Conversations: October 2017
Learning How to Get the Help You Need: How Caregivers can Navigate the Health and Social Care System: May 2016
Taking Care of Yourself through the Ups and Downs of Caregiving: December 2015
A full listing of informative videos on MS can be found HERE
Caregiver Podcast: What They Didn't Tell Me About Caregiving
This podcast provides inspiring and insightful stories of people caring for family members living with a neurological disease amid the demands of their own lives. These episodes have been created with the financial support of Novartis, and are brought to you by Parkinson Canada, MS Canada, and the Alzheimer Society of Canada.
Click here to listen to all 3 episodes including April's story. April was a caregiver for her husband who lived with multiple sclerosis and shares how she’s handled the changes in her relationship, along with her thoughts on coordinating care, dealing with the feelings of guilt, and the invisibility that caregivers can experience.
Thank you to everyone who shared their stories for this important tool.
MS Canada Publications for Caregivers
Other MS Society Publications
Resource Library – A listing of PDF resources and publications by MS Canada
MS Caregiver Resources from Other Organizations
Online Caregiver Resources
For supportive information that is customized to your caregiver journey, connect with an MS Navigator from our MS Knowledge Network. Our navigator team is available to Canadians from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET, Monday to Friday: 1-844-859-6789 or msnavigators@mscanada.ca