Care for the caregiver is part of care for the child.

Information reviewed September 2026. Program rules can change, so use the linked official source for eligibility and current requirements.

Caregiver wellbeing is not separate from the child's stability

Kinship placements are more sustainable when the adult doing the caregiving has enough sleep, practical help, social connection and time to manage their own health. Exhaustion is not proof that you are failing. It is information that the current load may be too high for one person.

Kinship stress is often very practical

Stress may come from lost retirement plans, reduced work hours, transportation, legal bills, school meetings, conflict with adult children, appointments, financial pressure and the sudden return to full-time parenting. Emotional advice alone will not solve practical overload.

Make a support plan with names, not intentions

Protect relationships that existed before the placement

Partners, friends and extended family can disappear under the weight of crisis management. Even small routines, a weekly coffee, a walk, dinner without discussing the case, can protect the adult relationships that help keep you functioning.

Peer support is practical expertise

Other grandparents and kinship caregivers often know the questions professionals forget to explain. They can also understand the strange combination of love, grief, anger, loyalty and responsibility that can exist in the same family at the same time.

Parenting support is for grandparents too

PEI's free Triple P program specifically includes grandparents, alternate caregivers and guardians. It offers strategies for everyday parenting, challenging behaviour, anxiety and different child age groups.

Explore Triple P

Ask for counselling before things become unmanageable

Open Access Counselling and community mental health services can support caregivers dealing with stress, depression, anxiety, grief, family conflict or other mental health concerns. The Mental Health and Addictions Phone Line, 1-833-553-6983, is available 24/7.

Signs it is time to add support

• You are routinely sleeping too little or neglecting your own medication or health care.
• You feel trapped, constantly angry, numb or unable to recover after stressful events.
• Your marriage or close relationships are deteriorating because every conversation is about the crisis.
• You have no safe person who can step in if you are sick.
• You are thinking seriously about ending the placement because there is no relief.