The expansion of CARERS Groups to Hennick Bridgepoint Hospital in 2026 marks a significant step forward in advancing support for individuals caring for those with dementia. This initiative underscores Sinai Health's unwavering dedication to enhancing the lives of dementia care partners, particularly as the demand for such support continues to escalate across Ontario.
Caring for someone diagnosed with dementia is not merely a task; it is a multifaceted role that often entails substantial emotional challenges, transforming relationships, and a myriad of practical obstacles. While caregivers play an essential role in bolstering the well-being of individuals living with dementia, many are still confronted with considerable hurdles when it comes to accessing the necessary support and resources.
"Taking care of someone with dementia can feel incredibly isolating and lonely," states Dr. Gina Eom, a geriatric psychiatrist at Hennick Bridgepoint Hospital. "Care partners can include family members, friends, or even neighbors, and they frequently undergo a profound shift in their roles—such as transitioning from being an adult child to adopting a parent-like responsibility. This role reversal can be emotionally taxing and lead to feelings of guilt, resentment, exhaustion, anxiety, and even depression."
Dr. Eom, who will be instrumental in the rollout of the CARERS Groups at Hennick Bridgepoint, highlights the reality that many caregivers find themselves navigating the complexities of dementia care without adequate guidance or support. The lack of psychoeducation—knowledge about the illness itself—and limited access to valuable community resources can leave caregivers feeling overwhelmed and isolated.
To address these pressing issues, Mount Sinai Hospital’s Cyril & Dororthy, Joel & Jill Reitman Centre for Alzheimer's Support and Training has created the Enhancing Care for Ontario Care Partners program. This comprehensive initiative is designed to empower caregivers, helping to build their capacity and resilience. Since its inception in 2017, the program has introduced offerings such as CARERS and TEACH, which blend clinical expertise with practical skills training and peer support. These groups focus on enhancing communication, problem-solving abilities, and the overall relationship-building process for family members and other unpaid caregivers of dementia patients.
What initially began as a localized clinical effort has now evolved into a province-wide program, supported by Ontario Health and executed through 14 partner organizations. The Enhancing Care initiative is currently accessible in over 50 communities throughout Ontario, with Sinai Health serving as the central hub for training, implementation, and evaluation to ensure consistent and compassionate support delivery.
By extending CARERS Groups to Hennick Bridgepoint Hospital, the aim is to strengthen the support network for caregivers within Sinai Health and throughout Toronto. These groups concentrate on providing practical skills and emotional reassurance vital for caring for someone with dementia. They help participants develop effective communication strategies, enhance problem-solving capabilities, and connect with others facing similar situations.
Dr. Eom will be overseeing this expansion, guiding the implementation process and offering training to clinicians, sharing knowledge, and coaching practices based on her firsthand experiences in clinical settings.
"Hennick Bridgepoint is Canada's largest complex and continuing care hospital, catering to patients with multiple medical conditions, including cognitive impairments," Dr. Eom explains. "Daily, I witness dedicated caregivers coming in to support their loved ones. Many are experiencing burnout and struggling to navigate the healthcare system. Some have directly reached out to me for assistance. I am optimistic that this expansion will help caregivers feel validated and understand that their needs are important too."
To find out more, caregivers in Toronto can access the Enhancing Care program through the Reitman Centre for Alzheimer’s Support and Training. Besides CARERS Groups, the Centre also offers TEACH, a complementary education program aimed at equipping caregivers with fundamental knowledge about dementia, caregiving techniques, and available resources.
For those outside of Toronto, local clinical services and groups can be accessed using referral information specific to their area through the Enhancing Care for Ontario Care Partners program.
If you’re interested in learning more about CARERS and TEACH or want to locate a group nearby, visit carersontario.ca.
