Caregiver Support

Caregivers Support 

The NRBHSS Planning and Programming Department provides caregivers with ongoing training, respite services, financial assistance, and emotional support.

We’re currently developing the 2024–2026 Regional Action Plan and collaborating with the Kativik Regional Government on an Elders and Caregivers Directory, launching in 2026. This initiative will offer practical resources and guidance.

What is Caregiving?

Caregiving is providing support to individuals who struggle with daily tasks due to physical or mental challenges. This help may be ongoing or occasional, ranging from personal care and appointment assistance to companionship.

In Nunavik, around 350 caregivers play a crucial role in helping elders and others live safely at home. Despite facing stress and financial strain, they devote their time and energy to supporting vulnerable community members. Their essential work deserves recognition.

  • Natural Caregivers are family or friends caring for someone in need—a parent, grandparent, or neighbor.
  • Worker-Caregivers provide care as part of their job in community organizations, health centers, or directly with clients, bringing essential skills and cultural knowledge.

Caregiver Appreciation Month Campaign

Additionally, each November, we celebrate caregivers across Nunavik through radio messages on TNI, community outreach—including promotional materials distributed to all communities—and the Star Caregiver Initiative. Nunavimmiut can nominate both natural and professional caregivers online, by paper, or live during radio call-in shows.

At the end of the month, a random draw honors selected caregivers locally and regionally with exciting prizes, including Coop vouchers and a grand prize of two Air Inuit tickets.

The 2025 Campaign elements include:

  • Facebook series with tools and information
  • Promotional material shipped to CLSCs
  • TNI Radio campaign
  • Star Caregiver initiative

Star Caregiver Initiative
  • Send nominations (or questions) to: Hyungu Kang <hyungu.kang.rr17@ssss.gouv.qc.ca>
Promotional material

Direct Allowance for Care workers

The Direct Allowance program lets people in Nunavik hire their own care workers to provide home support. In this program, the person receiving care becomes the beneficiary-employer.

This means that Nunavimmiut living with functional limitations can choose someone they trust to help at home, while the program ensures workers are protected and paid fairly.

How it Works

1.     Registration

  • Fill in the Registration Form for Care Workers.
  • Provide a void cheque so your pay can be deposited directly into your account.

2.     Agreement

  • Complete the Tripartite Agreement with the beneficiary-employer and the health centre.
  • This agreement defines your tasks and the maximum hours allowed every two weeks.

3.     Orientation

  • A nurse or social worker will arrange a meeting at the home of the beneficiary-employer.
  • This is the time to ask questions and get help completing the paperwork.

4.     Start Working

  • Record your hours and tasks on the timesheet after each shift.
  • Ask the beneficiary-employer to initial the timesheet at the end of your shift.

5.     Submit Timesheets

  • At the end of every two-week period, co-sign the timesheet with the beneficiary-employer.
  • Submit it to the person or location agreed upon.
  • Begin a new timesheet for the next period.

6.     Get Paid

  • You will receive your pay directly in your bank account.
  • Pay periods are every two weeks (see back of timesheet for calendar).
Work Conditions
  • Pay rate: $30 per hour, with standard deductions (taxes, employment insurance, etc.).
  • Payroll: Managed by Desjardins HR Solutions, with support from NRBHSS (contact: direct.allowance.rr17@ssss.gouv.qc.ca).
  • Flexibility: Schedules are set directly between the worker and beneficiary-employer.
  • Protection: Workers are covered by CNESST for work-related accidents, paid by the Ministry of Health and Social Services.
  • Employment status: You are employed by the beneficiary-employer, not the health centre.
Important Notes for Care Workers
  • Keep good communication and build a positive relationship with your beneficiary-employer.
  • If you work for more than two beneficiary-employers, consider becoming an employee of the health centre directly to avoid tax complications.

Always review your timesheet carefully and make sure you understand the pay periods.

 

For further information about our campaigns and programs, email: hyungu.kang.rr17@ssss.gouv.qc.ca

Together, we support the caregivers who keep our communities healthy and strong.