The South Delta Caregivers’ Network is offering a six-week program next month in Ladner to support family caregivers.
The organization offers an education and support group twice a year for unpaid family caregivers. The next session starts on Thursday, March 15 and will be offered once a week from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Delta Hospice Society’s Centre for Supportive Care.
The one-time fee of $40 includes the six sessions with coffee and refreshments as well as unlimited monthly drop-in support groups. Topics to be discussed include caregiver stress, communication techniques, difficult behaviours, grief and loss, role and lifestyle changes, accessing and using community resources, and legal and financial issues.
People who take on the role of caregiver for a loved one often don’t know what they are getting into and aren’t prepared for the changes to come. Caregiving can be a very rewarding experience but it can also be a source of stress, frustration and exhaustion.
The unending responsibilities can put the health of the caregiver at risk. Without support, they can “burn out” and be unable to continue to provide care. It is important for them to learn how to care for themselves and to get the support they need.
To register, call the Centre for Supportive Care at 604-948-0660, Laurie at 604-943-3921 or Sylvia at 604-943-7596.
A major benefit of the caregivers’ group is the opportunity to be with other caregivers who understand and can share experiences. Although friends and family can be supportive, the caregiver may not want to burden them with their problems.
A frequent comment from caregivers is that they wish they had come sooner as the information and support would have made their adjustment to caregiving easier. Participants are welcome to come and listen if they are not comfortable talking in the group. Everything discussed is confidential.
