Imagine watching a loved one slip away, their memories fading like an old photograph. This is the heartbreaking reality for countless families facing dementia. But here's the part most people miss: the caregivers, often family members, are silently battling their own storm of emotions and challenges. Sinai Health is taking a bold step to address this crisis by expanding its CARERS Groups to Hennick Bridgepoint Hospital in 2026, a move that underscores their unwavering commitment to supporting dementia care partners across Ontario.
Caring for someone with dementia is far more than a physical task; it’s an emotional rollercoaster. Care partners—whether they’re family, friends, or neighbors—often find themselves thrust into unfamiliar roles, like an adult child suddenly becoming a parent to their own parent. This role reversal can be devastating, breeding guilt, resentment, exhaustion, and even depression. And this is where it gets controversial: while care partners are the backbone of dementia care, many are left to navigate this complex journey with little guidance or support.
Dr. Gina Eom, a geriatric psychiatrist at Hennick Bridgepoint Hospital, puts it bluntly: “Caring for someone with dementia can be an incredibly isolating experience. Care partners often feel overwhelmed, not just by the practical demands, but by the emotional weight of their changing relationships.” Dr. Eom, who will spearhead the CARERS Groups expansion, highlights the critical gaps in psychoeducation and community support that leave caregivers feeling alone.
To tackle these challenges head-on, Mount Sinai Hospital’s Cyril & Dorothy, Joel & Jill Reitman Centre for Alzheimer's Support and Training launched the Enhancing Care for Ontario Care Partners program in 2017. This initiative offers programs like CARERS and TEACH, which blend clinical expertise with practical skill-building and peer support. These programs empower care partners with tools for communication, problem-solving, and relationship-building, all while fostering a sense of community.
What started as a local effort has blossomed into a province-wide movement. Funded by Ontario Health and delivered through 14 partner organizations, the Enhancing Care program now serves over 50 communities across Ontario. Sinai Health acts as the provincial hub, ensuring consistent and compassionate support through training, implementation, and evaluation.
The expansion to Hennick Bridgepoint Hospital is a game-changer. As Canada’s largest complex and continuing care hospital, it serves patients with multiple medical conditions, many of whom have cognitive impairments. Dr. Eom notes, “Every day, I see care partners pouring their hearts into supporting their loved ones, often at the cost of their own well-being. Many are burning out, struggling to navigate the healthcare system, and pleading for help. This expansion is a step toward letting them know their needs matter too.”
But here’s the question that sparks debate: Are we doing enough to support these unsung heroes? While programs like CARERS and TEACH are making strides, the demand for caregiver support continues to outpace available resources. What more can we do as a society to ensure care partners receive the recognition and assistance they deserve?
For those in Toronto, the Reitman Centre offers CARERS Groups and the TEACH program, which provides foundational knowledge about dementia and caregiving strategies. Care partners outside Toronto can access local services through the Enhancing Care for Ontario Care Partners program. To learn more or find a group near you, visit carersontario.ca.
This expansion isn’t just about adding another location—it’s about acknowledging the silent struggles of care partners and offering them a lifeline. But the conversation doesn’t end here. What’s your take? Are we doing enough, or is there more we can do to support dementia caregivers? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
