Above and Beyond Caregiver Recognition Program
Caregivers are a pivotal part of our broader health care system. Through their efforts and dedication, caregivers help to ensure loved ones, friends and neighbours can safely remain at home.
To coincide with National Caregiver Day, the Above and Beyond Caregiver Recognition Program was established to recognize, celebrate and support caregivers who make it possible for people to live their lives in their communities despite the impacts of age, illness or disability.
Recognition Categories and Criteria
We are honoured to recognize nearly 100 caregivers from across the province. Full list of 2025 recipients.
* Recipient videos coming April 11
| Category | Criteria | Recipients |
|---|---|---|
| Caring and Sharing | This caregiver is giving back to their community by helping and guiding others through sharing the knowledge and experience gained from their journey. | Valerie Walters, Guelph Read Valerie’s story | Watch Valerie’s story |
| Caring With Courage | Through encouragement, empowerment and support, this caregiver has directly brought about positive change to their loved one's quality of life. | Jim Sprague, Keswick Read Jim’s story | Watch Jim’s story Shawn Quest, Toronto Read Shawn’s story Watch Shawn’s story |
| Partner in Care | This caregiving partner has provided long standing and continued support to an individual in their home or community. | Alexander Michael Widdifield Read Alexander’s story | Watch Alexander’s story Gary Zaporzan, Slate River Read Gary's story | Read Gary's story |
| Caregiver Team | Group of people (care team) that come together to support an individual in their home or community. | Pam and Amanda Ross, Hamilton Read Pam and Amanda Ross' story | Watch Pam and Amanda Ross' story |
| Young Caregiver | This category recognizes the extraordinary efforts of a friend or family member under the age of 30 years who has gone above and beyond to support the needs of a loved one. | Neil Mukherjee, Ottawa Read Neil's story | Watch Neil's story |
| NEW! Caregiver Resilience | This individual has provided palliative and end-of-life caregiving to their friend, family member or neighbour. Please tell us about their story of resiliency in the face of loss and grief. How can their story inspire others or provide comfort to those that are currently supporting a loved one at end-of-life. | Barbara Z., Nepean Read Barbara's story | Watch Barbara's story |
Recognition Criteria
To take part in the Above and Beyond Caregiver Recognition Program, caregivers must meet the following criteria.
- The caregiver(s) lives in Ontario and is providing care to a patient who has recently received, or is currently receiving, services through Ontario Health atHome (formerly Home and Community Care Support Services).
- The caregiver is not a paid or registered volunteer
There are now two ways to recognize caregivers:
General recognition: Recognize a caregiver by name only. With their consent, we will share their name during the event, within the event program and on our website. (see link to past event pages for example). All general recognition caregivers will receive a token of appreciation.
Category Recognition: By recognizing a caregiver through one of the seven categories, there will be an opportunity to share further details about their caregiving journey to inspire and encourage others. A few of these stories will be featured in the virtual event on April 1, 2025, however, all caregivers will receive a token of appreciation.
We’re excited to announce the addition of a new Recognition Category – Caregiver Resilience. This special new category was added thanks to feedback from our Advisors (patient and family volunteers). See the list of Recognition Categories below for more information.
2025 Event Materials
- Visit our Previous Events page to Read the inspirational caregiver stories from our 2023 and 2024 events.
More Information
If you have any questions regarding the Above and Beyond Caregiver Recognition Program or Event, please contact the Community Engagement Team at engagement@ontariohealthathome.ca or call 1-855-276-3096.
For all media-related enquiries, please contact media@ontariohealthathome.ca.
Interested in getting involved as a Community Advisor? We are always looking for patients, family members and caregivers with recent home and community care experience and an interest in sharing their time, experience and insights to help shape and improve care. Learn about Community Engagement »
