Caregiver recognition
This special website section looks at the question of caregiver recognition, including self-identification. It brings together various Observatory publications to highlight the importance of recognition, and enhance the understanding both of what it entails and how it can serve to support caregivers.

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CALL 811 (Info-Santé/Info-Social). If you need support or have concerns or questions about your health or that of a family member or friend, call 811 to speak to a nurse or psychosocial worker. Bilingual and available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, it’s free and confidential.
To speak to a caregiver counselor about a difficult situation, ask questions or get a referral, call l’Appui’s Caregiver Support Helpline.
Bilingual; open Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
To find community resources offering caregiving information and support near you, consult l’Appui’s Resource Directory or Proche aidance Québec's list of member organizations (in French only).
What is caregiver recognition?
In a caregiving context, “recognition” refers to the fact of characterizing or designating an individual as someone who has taken on the role of a caregiver.
Recognition makes it possible to:
- de les identifier
- Acknowledge the value of their contribution.
- Help them become more aware of their role and responsibilities, the impact of these on their lives, and their entitlement to support and services.
Caregiver Recognition and Self-Recognition: Challenges and Practices
Favoriser la reconnaissance des personnes proches aidantes : recension des pratiques au Québec, au Canada et à l’international
Recognition specific to different caregiver profiles
Qu’est ce qu’une personne proche aidante ? Mieux comprendre, pour mieux se reconnaître!
Qu’est-ce qu’une personne proche aidante ? Mieux comprendre, pour mieux se reconnaître!
Publications to come
What are the characteristics of caregivers?
A caregiver is any person who provides support to one or more members of their circle who has or have a temporary or permanent physical, psychological, psychosocial or other incapacity.
What Is a Caregiver? Would You Know One to See One?
Soutenir un membre de son entourage : reconnaître son rôle et ses responsabilités
Toward Better Recognition and Support: A Profile of Quebec’s Caregivers
Between Work, Children and Aging Parents: The Challenges of “Sandwich Generation” Caregivers
Who are Quebec’s caregivers and what kinds of support do they provide? An age and gender-based analysis
What are the ethical and social issues of recognition?
While recognition is essential to supporting caregivers and acknowledging the importance of their contribution, it raises certain ethical issues.
Recognition Without Coercion: Navigating Need, Obstacles and Ethical Dilemmas in Caregiver Recognition and Self-Identification
What role can professionals and practitioners play?
Professionals and practitioners can do much toward encouraging caregivers to recognize their own role.
Helping caregivers self-identify: strategies for professionals and practitioners
Helping caregivers who don’t identify as such: strategies for professionals and practitioners
Reducing the sense of obligation among caregivers: strategies for professionals and practitioners