We were fortunate to catch up with Ourania Chrisgian and ask her a few questions about her caregiving-related experiences. Ourania has brought her extensive experiences as a caregiver together with a professional, unapologetic, critical eye to volunteering with us at FCBC. She has been involved in health policy committees, surveys, forums, interviews and much more over the past 6 years.
Will you share a bit about your caregiving story and where you are now?
I’m now retired due to my father’s dementia, which he kept hidden from me for two years before I found out, and my mother’s heart failure and arthritis. My father is currently in a facility and my mother still lives independently in her home.
What skills have you acquired or strengthened as a caregiver?
I have learned to navigate the system, especially provincially, although I have had to deal with federal agencies as well for things like taxes or federal health benefits. Resources such as Quality Control Reports on facilities have been helpful. Other supportive resources have included pension queries, where to find services such as denture replacement services, or personal services such as cutting hair and podiatrist care for feet.
What does caregiver advocacy mean to you?
I have become more comfortable advocating for care and questioning professionals. I do not readily accept responses. I respectfully disagree and seek second opinions, especially when it comes to the impact of medications on quality of life balanced with safety and medical care concerns of staff. I have more confidence in what areas I have final say in versus areas where I only have input but no decision-making authority.
Where and why do you share your caregiver experience?
I have been very forthcoming and enthusiastic about the existence and resources that Family Caregivers BC provides to friends, family and acquaintances. So many people my age are caught up in circumstances taking care of aging parents and still having adult children at home. I encourage others to speak up about their situations and difficulties they are dealing with. There is nothing shameful about asking for help or letting others know you are negatively impacted.
There is tension and guilt about meeting expectations for family care; these are normal pressures that many caregivers face. As a caregiver, it’s important to practice establishing healthy boundaries. Self-care is just as important as family care.