By Aaron Yukich, Caregiver Rx Social Prescribing Project Lead
Family Caregivers of BC (FCBC), in partnership with the Dementia Caregiver Resilience Clinic (DCRC) at St. Paul’s Hospital in Vancouver, recently wrapped up a powerful three-part workshop series designed to support the well-being and personal resilience of those caring for someone living with dementia. This innovative pilot, delivered in a virtual, small-group format, responded to a gap in support services by offering caregivers accessible, practical tools for daily self-care and the promotion of emotional wellbeing.
The Core Skills for Dementia Caregiver Well-being and Resilience workshop focused on three key themes: the importance of caregiver self-care, the impact of depleting vs. nurturing activities on caregiver resilience, and the power of self-compassion. Each session included guided exercises, reflection prompts, and group discussions that helped participants develop and strengthen self-care practices for use in their daily lives.
A central feature of the series was the introduction and repetition of the S.T.O.P. practice—a simple, powerful mindfulness tool designed to help caregivers pause, breathe, and check in with themselves before responding to the demands of caregiving. This and other techniques like the Self-Compassion Break and the identification of personal “refuges” (daily habits that bring strength, meaning and joy) offered caregivers a toolkit of brief, nurturing practices to integrate into their routines, even during the busiest and most challenging of days.
Participants described the workshop as a nourishing experience, providing them with fresh tools and perspectives for looking after their own needs while caregiving. They also received the added benefit of building connection and a sense of community with other caregivers in the group. As one caregiver reflected, “This gave me the self-care skills and hope I needed to continue supporting my husband at home.”
The success of this series marked the beginning of an ongoing collaboration between FCBC and DCRC. We look forward to future opportunities to offer this virtual series, to ensure more caregivers in BC have access to these essential supports.
Whether it’s taking a deep breath, reconnecting with something that brings you joy, or simply remembering to be kind to yourself, this workshop was a reminder to caregivers that small practices matter. Because when caregivers are supported, everyone benefits.
Stay tuned for future opportunities to join the Core Skills for Caregiver Well-being and Resilience workshop—and discover simple ways to care for yourself, one moment at a time.