Caregiver Information & Support

Introduction

As a caregiver, you have the right to:

• Acknowledge your feelings
• Recognize your limits of endurance & strength
• Take time out to learn caregiving skills & seek out accurate information
• Ask for help
• Receive appreciation & emotional support
• Take time out for your own health, spirit & relationships
• Provide care at home as long as you are able but remember - no one can be a caregiver forever
• Access available services that aid in caring
• Take pride in your accomplishments & applaud your courage
• Take care of yourself - this is not a selfish act
• Protect your individuality/identity
• LAUGH!

Caregiving can be extremely demanding. Take the test and see if you may be suffering from Caregiver Burnout! Answer True or False

• I am always tired
• I don't sleep well
• I get sick more than usual
• I have gained/lost weight unintentionally
• I have back pain, headaches, feelings of fatigue & depression
• I don't have time for myself
• I have given up hobbies and reduced contact with friends & family
• I have a short temper and outbursts of anger
• I cry easily
• I worry about not having enough money to make ends meet I feel I don't have enough knowledge/experience to give proper care

If any of the above statements are true, you may be experiencing caregiver burnout... Perhaps it's time to ask for help! You Can Seek Help From:

• Family & friends. They may be able to provide you with time, skills space, care or money.
• Adult day cares. These facilities can offer therapeutic, rehabilitative and support services such as nursing, social work services, meals or transportation.
• Home delivered meals. Various organizations provide nutritional programs.
• Home health aides. Aides can provide personal care at home such as help with eating, dressing, oral hygiene, bathing, administering medication and light household tasks.
• Home maker services. These services can assist with shopping, laundry, light house cleaning, preparing meals and escorting clients to medical appointments.
• Hospital and surgical supply services. These services may rent or sell medical supplies and equipment like hospital beds, canes, walkers, bath chairs, oxygen and other equipment.
• Respite care services. They can provide relief to caregivers.
• Social day care. They provide recreational activities, social work services, hot meals, transportation and some health services.
• Transportation services. These services can provide transportation to and from medical appointments or other care services.
• Skilled nursing services. Professional help with specific medical problems may be available through local home care agencies.
• Make a list and use it to keep track of important numbers that can help you as a Caregiver. Include: Friends & Family, Respite Care, Nursing Assistance, and Community Services & Other Contacts.

Source: http://www.veterans.gc.ca/eng/services/health/promotion/caregiving 

The Day Away Program (Home and Community Support Services)

www.hcss-gb.ca
372-2091 or 1-800-267-3798
Meaford Hospital, 229 Nelson St. W.
Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, & Saturday

The Day Away Program is a community program that provides socialization and medical monitoring for adults. Our clients come to the program from 9:30 am to 3:30 p.m. and take part in a wide variety of activities. Staff takes the time to get to know the interests of our clients and then provide activities which match these interests. Music and laughter play an important role in our program. A meal with friends, a game of cards, crafts and simply sitting and chatting are all common activities at Day Away. Our clients are assisted in all activities by a professional staff and trained volunteers.

What does the program provide for me as a caregiver?
The program can provide some time off for those who are caring for a family member or friend. We can provide an ongoing assessment of your family member's physical health, and we can provide you with information about your family member's illness and ways of dealing with the issues that arise for you. We can also be a support, someone who will listen. Our staff will keep in contact with you either by phone or through visiting you in your home.

Alzheimer Society - Grey-Bruce

www.alzheimer.ca/greybruce
info@alzheimergreybruce.com
519-376-7230 or 1-800-265-9013

The Alzheimer Society of Grey-Bruce is a non-profit charitable organization dedicated to helping people affected by Alzheimer's disease or related dementias. In addition to providing programs to the community we also support research through the Alzheimer Society of Canada as well as the Centre for Research in Neurodegenerative Diseases.

Offers a Support Group for Thornbury and Meaford caregivers of people with dementia. It is a safe, informal environment facilitated by a support counsellor with knowledge and experience in the field of dementia care; Caregivers can meet & share successes and challenges in providing care for persons with dementia.
L.E. Shore Memorial Library (Board Room)
183 Bruce Street South, Thornbury, 3rd Wednesday of every month, 1:30- 3:30 p.m
To register for this free service, contact Kathy Sleeth, ksleeth@alzheimergreybruce.com

Victorian Order of Nurses

www.von.ca
Phone: (519) 376-5895   Fax: (519) 376-5772
Email: Christine.Vallis@von.ca
1280 20th Street East, P.O. Box 969, Owen Sound, Ontario, N4K 6H6

VON is Canada's largest, national, not-for-profit, charitable home and community care organization. Programs include:

Adult Day Program 
Designed to provide respite for family caregivers and to support and maintain client health, ability and independence, these programs are an opportunity for the frail, elderly, disabled or cognitively impaired adult to make friends. Activity workers and volunteers coordinate activities such as exercise classes, card and word games, communal outings and crafts. 

Alzheimer Day Program 
The program provides specialized therapeutic, social and recreational activities for people with Alzheimer disease and related disorders in a secure environment. Staff offer creative programs to build the strengths of the clients. 

Caregiver Support and Education 
VON provides information, emotional support and education to family caregivers. Participants gain hope and insight through the experiences of other caregivers and build a network of support. A series of videos is used to encourage reflection and discussion. 

In-Home Adult Respite 
Caregivers of family members with Alzheimer's or other chronic illnesses frequently do not have respite time for themselves to go for coffee with a friend, or get some needed rest. They shoulder the responsibility of care 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Trained personal support workers and/or volunteers are available to meet the needs of the client and free the caregiver from a feeling of total responsibility for a few hours or shifts of care. Respite may include homemaking services, recreation and stimulation activities. 

Overnight Respite Services 
VON operates several centres where seniors, the intellectually challenged and people with chronic conditions can come to a home-like setting custom-built for care, to allow caregivers much-needed rest. There is nursing care and recreational and therapeutic activities. Clients are assisted by a multi-disciplinary team that monitors their progress.