Oncology Care Providers: Help to better recognize and implement this role

New organization supports Those close to people with cancer want to become better acquainted with the title of oncology caregiver and their services.

The Organization Supporting Providers of Oncology Careers of Quebec (OSPAOQ) was founded about a year ago by Chantal Tardif, herself a caregiver, and Catherine Goodwin.

The primary goal is to make it easier to recognize the title of caregiver, but also to provide support for all the tasks these people may be asked to do, such as completing tax or insurance forms.

“When people think of the term caregiver, we think of providing support for an elderly person or for degenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's or multiple sclerosis,” describes M.^I late.

She, who has been caring for her husband who has cancer for nine years, recently met a woman whose son has lymphoma. She explains that she saw herself as a mother, but not as a caregiver. People who help a loved one with cancer tend to believe that they are not caregivers, because they would naturally help that person.

“I see cases like this every day. Three out of four caregivers tell us this,” notes M.^I late.

Chantal Tardif, co-founder of OSPAOQ, with her partner Daniel Sarrazin, to whom she has been a carer for nine years.

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The founders also want to prevent caregiver burnout, which can happen very quickly, without help.

“I saw so many obstacles along the way that I told myself it didn't make sense. The caregiver is left to their own devices,” she continues.

Changing the image of the caregiver

The organization will soon be touring several hospitals, where for a day volunteers from the organization will raise public awareness about caregiver recognition and the help they can get.

Ultimately, M^I Tardif wants to change the image the caregiver's title shows.

“In my unicorn world, I want it to be cool to be a caregiver,” she says. Because it is taboo to be a caregiver, this is frowned upon, especially in oncology.

OSPAOQ runs on donations and has only volunteers on its team. Among the services offered, there are support groups with Zoom sessions, facilitating the participation of caregivers who, more often than not, cannot stay away from the person they are helping.

The organization also works to have the rights of caregivers recognized by governments.