Help wanted!
I stood staring down the basement stairs. A few weeks post hip replacement, and I’d had wonderful support. A friend came to stay with me for the first week, family kept in touch, and I was getting around and beginning to do things for myself.
Except the laundry.
My laundry room sat in the basement, down a forbidding set of stairs. I could throw the dirty laundry basket down the stairs, make a careful descent and wash and dry the clothes. But I had no way to get back up the stairs with my cane and the laundry basket.
My friend had been cheerfully doing my laundry for me, but I couldn’t let that go on much longer. I stood staring down the basement stairs and praying for an answer.
An incredibly simple solution presented itself. I bought a different laundry system with bags instead of a basket. I threw the bag downstairs, and was able to drag the clean clothes back up while using my cane. I had my independence, and clean laundry. (Before the next hip replacement, my new husband built for me an upstairs laundry room, which is the best invention ever!)
Whatever form it comes in, caregivers need support. No one can do it alone.
“Yes, I need more support, but it isn’t there. I’m the only one in my family in town, or my other family members have too many responsibilities, or a multitude of other reasons.” 
Caregivers, caught in the unrelenting day-to-day, may throw up their hands and struggle on. They may not be aware of all the resources and supports available . I’ve done some research, so let’s get practical. *These are specific to Ontario, but if you Google “caregiver support in ______ (your area) you should be able to find what you need.
The Ontario Caregiver Association https://ontariocaregiver.ca
This organization provides tools and recourses for every aspect of your journey, from a quizz to help you determine if you are a caregiver and what kinds of resources you need, to education and information on palliative care. Not exclusive to eldercare, it also supports other caregivers. It recognizes that the caregiver needs care as well, and provides mental and emotional health support such as counselling and peer support.
Caregiver Exchange https://ontariocaregiver.ca
The purpose of this website is mainly education, with a multitude of short videos about a variety 
of topics related to caregiving. If you aren’t sure how to handle a care situation, your answer may be here.
The Ontario Caregiver Helpline https://ontariocaregiver.ca/help/helpline/?gad_source=1&gbraid=0AAAAACVF8S3di3CIZUq9LGcfhO5L7xvu1&gclid=Cj0KCQjwtpLABhC7ARIsALBOCVouppEQEbhhamno09ctud41MWHC9G8RTbU7dNwAEEAEaCNmLlIZZJ8aAkcUEALw_wcB
Do you need to talk to someone right now? The helpline is available 24/7 by phone at 1-833-416-2273. There is also a chat line available online from Mon.-Fri. 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. They provide “home and community care options, local support groups and specialized programs for those you care for.” (from the website)
CareProvide Canada https://www.careprovide.ca
This is a resource for all kinds of respite care, from housekeeping, medication reminders, activities and outings to full support, including overnight care. Although there is a fee involved, it varies based on the care provided, and may be a needed short-term solution.
A Guide to Programs and Services for Seniors https://www.ontario.ca/document/guide-programs-and-services-seniors/family-and-caregivers
This valuable resource helps you navigate government funding, with information about tax credits, grants and home and community support services.
If you are staring down a formidable set of stairs, wondering how to solve your many caregiving problems, there are a wealth of resources available to you. Reach out. Talk to someone. You aren’t alone.