"Am I a caregiver?"

Being a caregiver means providing support to someone close who has specific needs, whether it's for daily tasks or emotional support. See if you identify with this role by answering a few questions:

Do you help a loved one in their daily life, for example, by accompanying them to appointments or assisting them with shopping?

Are you supporting a loved one by preparing their meals, organizing their medication, or helping them manage their finances?

Do you ever spend time helping a loved one complete tasks they can no longer do on their own, such as taking care of the house or getting around?

Are you involved in the care management of a loved one, whether by accompanying them to healthcare professionals or ensuring their overall well-being?

Have you gotten into the habit of offering moral or emotional support to a loved one who is going through difficult times or has specific needs?

If you answer yes to one or more of these questions, it is very likely that you can identify as a caregiver.

Understanding one's role

What is caregiving?

Caregiving has long been understood in a vague, narrow, or erroneous way. For many years, caregiving organizations have been advocating to the government for broader and fairer recognition of caregivers.

To include the multiple forms that such a role can take, various organizations and Proche aidance Québec have come together to create a complete and inclusive definition:

“A ‘caregiver’ refers to anyone who provides support to one or more members of their circle who have a temporary or permanent disability of a physical, psychological, psychosocial, or other nature, regardless of their age or living environment, with whom they share an emotional, familial, or non-familial bond.
The support provided is continuous or occasional, short or long term, and is offered in a non-professional manner, freely, with informed consent, and is revocable, with the aim, in particular, to promote the recovery of the person being assisted, and the maintenance and improvement of their quality of life at home or in other living environments. It can take various forms, such as transportation, assistance with personal care and household tasks, emotional support, or coordination of care and services.
It may also have financial repercussions for the caregiver or limit their ability to take care of their own physical and mental health or fulfill their other social and family responsibilities.”

(Bill 56 passed October 28, 2020).

Caregiver Testimonials

Stories that inspire

Did you know that one-third of Quebec residents are caregivers for a loved one (Appui, 2022)? Behind this statistic lies a multitude of experiences. Each caregiving journey holds its key lessons, which is why GASO is pleased to share the stories of some members. We hope that their situations will resonate with your caregiving experiences.

Evolving through the helping relationship with Marie-Laurence

Dream differently with Dominique

Facing One's Own Limits with Odette

Learning to Surround Yourself with Robert

Adapting to adversity with Gail