By Wendy Johnstone, Provincial Program Consultant and Gerontologist with Family Caregivers of BC We hear and validate the stories of caregivers all across BC. Caregiving offers many rewards, however, at times and currently, it can feel and be really challenging. It asks a lot of you. Our conversations with caregivers lead to a range of […]
Mind-Body Connections For Caregivers
Written by Wendy Johnstone, originally published in Senior Living Magazine Caregivers providing care and support encounter a multitude of physical and psychological stressors. While caregiving is considered rewarding by most caregivers, it often creates significant stress. And research shows that too much stress negatively impacts one’s physical and psychological health, including depression, anxiety, and a […]
Building Caregiver Resiliency
Written by Wendy Johnstone “What happens if one of us gets COVID-19? We don’t have children locally who can help us, and I wouldn’t want to expose them either. My husband relies on me to provide care. I worry so much about this. I just don’t know what we’d do.” Margaret is caring for her […]
Reframing Self-Care: Perspective Is Everything
Written by Elizabeth Bishop Self-care is a buzzword right now, but what does self-care really mean? For many busy caregivers, self-care is an afterthought. However, with high rates of caregiver burnout, taking care of your mental and physical health is so very important. COVID-19 has brought many challenges and uncertainties in relation to caregiving, but […]
How to Balance Working and Caregiving
Twenty-eight percent of Canadians are balancing unpaid family or friend caregiving with work. While the role of caregiving is rewarding, as you support the person you love and care for, the strains of caregiving can take its toll. Furthermore, 25% of caregivers have reported a change in their employment experience (since becoming caregivers) including: Turning […]
Taking a Break: 7 Tips for a Caregiver Vacation
As we near the last bit of summer, the desire for family caregivers to take time for a vacation, staycation or break can be top of mind. Going from contemplation of a vacation to implementation can create a great deal of stress for both the caregiver and the people they care for. Common concerns and […]
Part 1: Why Boundary Setting is Important for Caregivers
“You have to be able to set boundaries, otherwise the rest of the world is telling you who you are and what you should be doing. You can still be a nice person and set boundaries.” – Oprah Winfrey One of the most common challenges that we hear from caregivers is how difficult it is […]
The Myths of Mindfulness
Written by Kate Landreth, Education and Learning Lead with FCBC In the past year I completed an 8-week training in Mindfulness Self Compassion, and initially I was hesitant and skeptical about participating. While I practice and teach yoga and mindfulness daily, my concern with exploring mindfulness self-compassion was that it might erode my inner taskmaster […]
How do I find a therapist or counsellor?
You may feel you would like to talk with a therapist or counsellor, but do not know where to begin in your search. Therapy can be beneficial for caregivers who have become isolated, overwhelmed, anxious, depressed, or who lack support from others. However, it can also be preventative, part of a caregivers self-care and mental […]
Adventures from Home During COVID-19
Are you missing your regular outings and explorations? Adventure from the comfort of your home during this time of physical distancing to alleviate boredom and stress! These are great virtual activities for you as a caregivers and those you care for. Stay creative and engaged to take care of yourself and your well-being. From museums […]