I’m caring for my aging mom, and it is hard, especially during these COVID times. I am finding my friends don’t understand what I am going through, and I feel very alone without a community of people to relate to. I know you have one-on-one support via your caregiver network, but do you have a way for me to connect with others in similar situations here on the Coast?
First off – I’m sorry you are having a hard time; it shines a light on the importance and ongoing need for our Caregiver Support Network (which, notably, is made possible by a private donation from a caregiver). For anyone reading who isn’t familiar with this Resource Centre program, this is a free support network for people doing unpaid caregiving for an adult family member or friend. Up to now, most of what we have offered has been in the one-on-one format. (Basically, we invite you to call/email and get emotional and informational support from a trained and compassionate listener, related to your specific caregiving situation.)
That said, to your question, we are proud to share that we have just launched a brand new Zoom caregiver support group to connect caregivers with one another. The group meets monthly online. It’s a safe space allowing people in unpaid caregiver roles to support each other emotionally, share ideas, and even … to have fun! The meetings are facilitated by trained staff and volunteers.
Michelle Bruecker, our program lead, says she wants to highlight that while many support groups on the Coast are disease or illness-specific, our group is not. She explained to me that the common thread for people who will be participating in the caregiver support Zoom group, is their unpaid caregiving work.
Whether via confidential one-on-one support, or through our new Zoom group, we want caregivers like you to feel they can open up about challenges they face. To join our new Zoom Caregiver Support Group at any time, to connect with Michelle about one-on-one caregiver support, or just to find out more please email: [email protected] or phone/text 604-212-1441. You can also visit our website at www.resourcecentre.ca/caregivers
Angie Theilmann is an information and referral specialist at the Sunshine Coast Resource Centre, your community information hub. Do you have a question? Just Ask Angie! Email: [email protected]
