You might have heard that we are focusing on CAREGIVERS this month! We started off talking a lot about a BIG caregiver issue — stress.
One of the key pieces of advice offered to counter caregiver stress is connecting with others – especially other caregivers! While COVID-19 can make it challenging to connect safely in person, there are online options to connect with others. Teva Canada has a great list of Canadian caregiver support networks. Check out this BC group: Family Caregivers of British Columbia.
DIVING IN: Stress and caregiving —You are a caregiver, and the work you do is very important and very rewarding – but it can also be very stressful when the work is never truly “done.” Meet the Frates family, as they talk about some of the challenges of caregiving.
Compassion Fatigue: Frates family on challenges of caregiving,Boston Herald(Dec 25, 2017)
DRILLING DOWN: Risks and burnout — Experiencing stress (emotionally and physically) is common for most caregivers – but did you know there’s also risk factors that make you more likely to experience stress as a caregiver? You can read the full list here, but it includes living with the person you are caring for, being socially isolated, having depression, and experiencing financial difficulties. Even if these factors don’t apply you in a “typical” year, keep in mind that this hasn’t been “a typical year.” You might experience these risk factors this year because of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, or these factors might be affecting you more now than they did before. Over time, stress can lead to burnout. Here are some signs of caregiver stress and burnout.
DIGGING DEEP: Taking action — Coping with stress can look different for everyone, but taking action includes acknowledging and talking about stress, recognizing and talking about the risks of burnout, and prioritizing taking care of yourself in an ongoing way. There are also 27 specific coping strategies on this website. Share which ones you think are best in the comments!
Hey everyone, last month we celebrated Community Inclusion month…this month, we invite you to join us — and other organizations in North America! — in celebrating CAREGIVERS!
While the first Tuesday of April has been adopted as National Caregiver Day in Canada, we are having caregivers take over the month of November on our blog — you can expect to see posts each week with Great News! that recognize and feature caregivers, training opportunities and resources, Frequently Asked Questions (and a summary of answers) and suggested topics!
To start us off, we are featuring the Caregivers Resource Expo — where you can find resources under the topics of connecting, empowering, and supporting caregivers — on the Carers Canada webpage. Check it out and pass it on!
Hey everyone, there have been changes to COVID-19 restrictions in our province this week — this news article explains a bit about these new provincial restrictions, and gives a good ‘overview’ on where the province sits as it relates to stats on COVID-19 cases. Many thanks to Jackie for passing this along!
Hey everyone, we wanted to say HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND to you all! Please remember to be safe and healthy while you are “doing your thing” — whether “your thing” is Halloween, Dia de Los Muertos, or something else entirely!
Hey everyone, just a reminder that Daylight Saving Time (DST) ends this weekend on Sunday! Since this change happens in the wee hours of the morning on November 1st, you might want to change your clocks (if needed) the night before, when you go to bed.
