Understanding Illness
This section helps you understand what it means to live with a serious or life-changing illness.
You will find resources that explain how illness may change over time, what to expect, and how to recognize changes in health. These tools can help you feel more prepared and better able to support the person you are caring for.
The resources in this section have been organized into the following six topic areas related to Understanding Illness. Scroll down or click on the links below to navigate to each:
Looking for more support? Explore the Resource Library for the full collection of Walking Alongside tools and resources, or follow the Caregiver Pathway to guide your next steps.
Resources for Dementia
| Section | Title | Description | Resource Type | Details | Keywords & tags |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Understanding Illness (Dementia) | FWD - Questions to Ask After Diagnosis | A question guide to help individuals and families better understand a dementia diagnosis, explore treatment options, and identify available supports. | Handout | # | Dementia, After diagnosis, questions to ask, appointment preparation, advocacy, treatment options, planning ahead, mental wellness, emotional wellness |
| Understanding Illness (Dementia) | Understanding the Normal Aging Process | A video explaining common physical and cognitive changes associated with normal aging to help distinguish them from more serious health concerns. | Video | https://carechannel.elizz.com/resources/what-is-the-normal-aging-process/ | understanding illness, aging, normal aging, signs, decline, recognition, awareness, cognitive changes |
| Understanding Illness (Dementia) | FWD - What is Dementia | - | Handout | # | - |
| Understanding Illness (Dementia) | FWD - Progression of Dementia | - | Handout | # | - |
| Understanding Illness (Dementia) | FWD - Having Hope & Living Well with Dementia | - | Handout | # | - |
Resources for Diabetes
| Section | Title | Description | Resource Type | Details | Keywords & tags |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Understanding Illness (Diabetes) | Managing Specific Illnesses and Conditions (Diabetes) | A presentation explaining diabetes, including symptoms, complications, and care considerations, with guidance on managing the condition through medications, lifestyle, and traditional approaches. | Slide Deck | # | chronic illness, diabetes, understanding illness, blood sugar, testing, symptom management, medications, traditional medicine, comfort care, treatment |
| Understanding Illness (Diabetes) | Managing Specific Illnesses and Conditions (Diabetes) | Speaker's notes for the Managing Specific Illnesses and Conditions (Diabetes) presentation, explaining diabetes, including symptoms, complications, and care considerations, with guidance on managing the condition through medications, lifestyle, and traditional approaches. | Slide Deck Speaker's Notes | # | chronic illness, diabetes, understanding illness, blood sugar, testing, symptom management, medications, traditional medicine, comfort care, treatment |
| Understanding Illness (Diabetes) | Healthy Lifestyle Actions to Manage Diabetes | A handout outlining simple lifestyle actions to help manage diabetes and support overall health and wellbeing. | Handout | https://isparc.ca/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/HealthBeat_ManageDiabetes.pdf | providing care, physical wellness, diabetes, lifestyle, food, medicine, self-manangement |
| Understanding Illness (Diabetes) | Pathway to Wellness A Handbook for Indigenous Peoples Living with Diabetes | A culturally grounded handbook supporting Indigenous peoples living with diabetes, offering guidance on managing the condition through lifestyle, nutrition, and traditional and western approaches. | Booklet | https://nada.ca/wp-content/uploads/2020_PATHWAYS_BOOKLET_final2022-web.pdf | diabetes |
You can browse the resources within each section as needed, or search the Resource Library if you’re looking for something specific. Explore this site in the way that feels most helpful to you.
Resources for Palliative Care
| Section | Title | Description | Resource Type | Details | Keywords & tags |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Understanding Illness (Palliative Care) | Palliative Approach to Care | An introductory presentation explaining the palliative approach to care and how to support people living with serious illness across settings and throughout their journey. | Slide Deck | # | palliative care, approach, understanding, Indigenous, education, community care, wholistic, serious illness |
| Understanding Illness (Palliative Care) | Palliative Approach to Care Speaker's Notes | Speaker's notes accompanying the Palliative Approach to Care presentation that explains the palliative approach to care and how to support people living with serious illness across settings and throughout their journey. | Slide Deck Speaker's Notes | # | palliative care, approach, understanding, Indigenous, education, community care, wholistic, serious illness |
| Understanding Illness (Palliative Care) | Caring for the Patient and Family | A video exploring palliative care from Indigenous perspectives, highlighting how families and communities support loved ones through serious illness and end-of-life care. | Video | https://livingmyculture.ca/culture/first-nations/indigenous-voices-caring-for-the-patient-and-family/?topic=Talking+About+Illness | palliative, video, family, Indigenous, caregiving, what is palliative care, stigma, end-of-life care, making wishes known, thinking about wishes, planning for care, circle of care, family, comfort care, pain, suffering, education, asking questions, health care roles, care team, asking for help, scheduling, respite, honouring the caregiver, shortness of breath, talking about death, care needs, values, social worker, |
| Understanding Illness (Palliative Care) | Introduction to the Palliative Approach to Care | A handout introducing the palliative approach to care, including when it begins and how it supports wholistic wellness for individuals and families. | Handout | https://drive.google.com/file/d/1GcQcgip5B-WsaVx0gVWc2yYNYyoDXQZs/view?usp=sharing | palliative, introduction, holistic, wellbeing, Indigenous, wholistic, education, community, wholistic, myths, quick guide, poster |
| Understanding Illness (Palliative Care) | Top 10 Things to Know About Palliative Care | A simple, easy-to-read guide highlighting key facts about palliative care and addressing common questions and misconceptions. | Handout | https://drive.google.com/file/d/1R3_HQcIDcWl5a4YOpyry3tI04kcPojFr/view?usp=sharing | palliative, mythbusting, facts, awareness, caregiving |
| Understanding Illness (Palliative Care) | A Patient’s Story | A story from the perspective of someone living with serious illness, helping readers understand emotional experiences and build empathy for different journeys. | Handout | https://drive.google.com/file/d/1uZjGG3yS65EqPrkHWxzhWUQbCwHHwKhv/view?usp=sharing | patient story, empathy, Indigenous, caregiving, experience, empathy, story, patient perspective, lived experience |
| Understanding Illness (Palliative Care) | What is Palliative Care? | A myth-and-fact guide explaining palliative care and addressing common misunderstandings, grounded in Indigenous perspectives. | Handout | https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Fc7YvVZapvv2G27Qnh_bKbxdCWovW4Ok/view?usp=sharing | palliative, information, Indigenous, pamphlet, caregiving, myths, education, poster |
| Understanding Illness (Palliative Care) | What is Palliative Care? | An overview of palliative care across home, hospital, and long-term care, including symptom management, emotional and spiritual support, and caregiver and bereavement supports. | Pamphlet | https://drive.google.com/file/d/1z5rulKkwxMpJF_jkybUPvp7adH9xJaq8/view?usp=share_link | palliative, information, Indigenous, pamphlet, caregiving, services, care settings, places of care, understanding illness, palliative care, education, poster |
| Understanding Illness (Palliative Care) | Living with a Serious Illness | A pamphlet outlining what to expect when living with a serious illness, including symptoms, emotional changes, and common needs along the journey. | Pamphlet | https://drive.google.com/file/d/14HR6sm3hmkKCsMI-RHWC-YCmlvSK_qN9/view?usp=share_link | illness, terminal, living with illness, caregiving, palliative, understanding illness, serious illness, life-changing, expectations, what to expect, emotional wellness, emotions, symptoms, |
You can browse the resources within each section as needed, or search the Resource Library if you’re looking for something specific. Explore this site in the way that feels most helpful to you.
Resources for Cancer
| Section | Title | Description | Resource Type | Details | Keywords & tags |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Understanding Illness (Cancer) | Managing Specific Illnesses and Conditions (Cancer) | A presentation explaining cancer, including common symptoms, treatments, and care considerations, with guidance on managing physical, emotional, and cultural aspects of care. | Slide Deck | # | chronic illness, cancer, understanding illness, chemotherapy, radiation, testing, symptom management, symptoms, palliative care, cultural care, treatment, medications, traditional medicine, comfort care |
| Understanding Illness (Cancer) | Managing Specific Illnesses and Conditions (Cancer) | Speaker's notes for the Managing Specific Illnesses and Conditions (Cancer) presentation explaining cancer, including common symptoms, treatments, and care considerations, with guidance on managing physical, emotional, and cultural aspects of care. | Slide Deck Speaker's Notes | # | chronic illness, cancer, understanding illness, chemotherapy, radiation, testing, symptom management, symptoms, palliative care, cultural care, treatment, medications, traditional medicine, comfort care |
| Understanding Illness (Cancer) | Taking Steps Together A Cancer Toolkit for Urban Inuit in Ontario | A culturally relevant cancer toolkit for Inuit individuals and families, offering guidance on screening, diagnosis, treatment, and accessing supports while navigating care in urban settings. | Booklet | https://tiontario.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/TIOntario_Community_CancerToolkit_FINAL_WEB.pdf | physical wellness, cancer, inuit, urban care, screening, treatment, navigation, Indigenous health, cultural care, providing care |
| Understanding Illness (Cancer) | Childhood Cancer: A Guide for First Nations Communities | A video providing culturally relevant information about childhood cancer in First Nations communities, helping families understand diagnosis, care, and available supports. | Video | https://youtu.be/_Sekbve94lk | understanding illness, cancer, children, youth, family support, emotional support, Indigenous health |
| Understanding Illness (Cancer) | Indigenous Cancer Screening Complete Booklet | A toolkit supporting Indigenous communities in understanding and accessing cancer screening, with culturally relevant information to promote early detection and informed decision-making. | Booklet | https://www.cancercareontario.ca/sites/ccocancercare/files/assets/OH-cancer-screening-toolkit-complete-print.pdf | physical wellness, providing care, cancer, screening, prevention, early signs, detection, Indigenous health, health promotion, awareness, chronic illness |
| Understanding Illness (Cancer) | Inuusinni Aqqusaaqtara: My Journey | A 2-part informative and reflective actvity booklet focusing on supporting Inuit individuals on their journey with cancer, with consideration of resources available across Canada. | Booklet | https://cdn.cancer.ca/-/media/files/cancer-information/resources/publications/my-journey-series/my-journey-series-en.pdf?rev=9c9f2a86d556404ea39de282d3d20f12&hash=A330E3ACF59D846C14E43862BA238712&_gl=1*z0nknl*_gcl_au*NzE4Mjk0MDc0LjE3NTM4NzY3MDA. | cancer, Inuit, treatment, relfection, values, conversation, communication, health care team members, roles, oncologist, oncology, navigation, support, nutrition, prevention, lifestyle, management, language, rights, questions, activity, planning, appointments, treatment plan, care plan, list of medication, tracking, calendar, diary |
You can browse the resources within each section as needed, or search the Resource Library if you’re looking for something specific. Explore this site in the way that feels most helpful to you.
Resources for Mental Illness
| Section | Title | Description | Resource Type | Details | Keywords & tags |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Understanding Illness (Mental Illness) | Family members / Caregivers Guidebook on Early identification & Brief Intervention Strategies | A guide to recognizing early signs of mental illness, substance abuse, and other health concerns and using brief intervention strategies to support individuals and caregivers in responding early and preventing crises. Provides information on anxiety, depression, brain, personality, and mood disorders, PTSD, psychosis, and drug use disorders. | Booklet | https://thunderbirdpf.org/?resources=family-members-caregivers-guidebook-on-early-identification-brief-intervention-strategies | Mental Illness, Mental health, mental wellness, providing care, caring for yourself, honouring the caregiver, Early identification, Prevention, Brief intervention, Caregiver support, Recognizing changes, Indigenous wellness, symptoms, supports |
You can browse the resources within each section as needed, or search the Resource Library if you’re looking for something specific. Explore this site in the way that feels most helpful to you.
Resources for Heart & Lung Conditions
| Section | Title | Description | Resource Type | Details | Keywords & tags |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Understanding Illness (Heart & Lung Conditions) | Managing Specific Illnesses and Conditions (COPD) | A presentation outlining COPD, including symptoms, disease progression, and care considerations, with strategies to support breathing, comfort, and overall management. | Slide Deck | # | chronic illness, COPD, breathing, respiratory illness,, understanding illness, symptom management, medications, traditional medicine, comfort care, treatment |
| Understanding Illness (Heart & Lung Conditions) | Managing Specific Illnesses and Conditions (COPD) | Speaker's notes for the Managing Specific Illnesses and Conditions (COPD) presentation outlining COPD, including symptoms, disease progression, and care considerations, with strategies to support breathing, comfort, and overall management. | Slide Deck Speaker's Notes | # | chronic illness, COPD, breathing, respiratory illness,, understanding illness, symptom management, medications, traditional medicine, comfort care, treatment |
| Understanding Illness (Heart & Lung Conditions) | Managing Specific Illnesses and Conditions (COPD) | A presentation outlining COPD, including symptoms, disease progression, and care considerations, with strategies to support breathing, comfort, and overall management. | Slide Deck | # | chronic illness, COPD, breathing, respiratory illness,, understanding illness, symptom management, medications, traditional medicine, comfort care, treatment |
| Understanding Illness (Heart & Lung Conditions) | Managing Specific Illnesses and Conditions (COPD) | Speaker's notes for the Managing Specific Illnesses and Conditions (COPD) presentation outlining COPD, including symptoms, disease progression, and care considerations, with strategies to support breathing, comfort, and overall management. | Slide Deck Speaker's Notes | # | chronic illness, COPD, breathing, respiratory illness,, understanding illness, symptom management, medications, traditional medicine, comfort care, treatment |
| Understanding Illness (Heart & Lung Conditions) | Managing Specific Illnesses and Conditions (Hypertension) | A presentation describing hypertension, including causes, risks, and management strategies to support overall health and prevent complications. | Slide Deck | # | chronic illness, blood pressure, cholesterol, understanding illness, testing, symptom management, symptoms, prevention, management, treatment, medications, traditional medicine |
| Understanding Illness (Heart & Lung Conditions) | Managing Specific Illnesses and Conditions (Hypertension) | Speaker's notes for the Managing Specific Illnesses and Conditions (Hypertension) presentation describing hypertension, including causes, risks, and management strategies to support overall health and prevent complications. | Slide Deck Speaker's Notes | # | chronic illness, blood pressure, cholesterol, understanding illness, testing, symptom management, symptoms, prevention, management, treatment, medications, traditional medicine |
| Understanding Illness | Indigenous Chronic Disease Toolkit | A toolkit providing information on chronic disease prevention and management, supporting Indigenous communities with culturally relevant strategies for maintaining health and wellness. Covers diabetes, cancer, obesity, mental illness, as well as chronic kidney, cardiovascular, and respiratory diseases. | Booklet | https://ontariohealth.ca/system/indigenous/chronic-disease-toolkit | chronic disease, understanding illness, prevention, indigenous health, education, risk factors, treatment, management, diabetes, cancer, obesity, mental illness, kidney disease, cardiovascular disease, respiratory disease, chronic illness |
You can browse the resources within each section as needed, or search the Resource Library if you’re looking for something specific. Explore this site in the way that feels most helpful to you.