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 […]
Taking Care of Yourself: Self-Care Strategies for Family and Friend Caregivers
Family caregiving can happen suddenly or as part of a crisis. It is often unpredictable. Taking on the role of a caregiver often happens when life is already full and is squeezed into a busy life without letting anything else go. Caregiving can be one of the most rewarding gifts you can give to another […]
Mindfulness and Gentle Chair Yoga
Kate Landreth, Education & Learning Lead at Family Caregivers of BC offers a mindfulness practice and seated yoga movement practice. Follow along from the comfort of your home and take time and space for yourself during your caregiving journey. [embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kjYOByVI-JU[/embedyt]
Setting Boundaries Takes Practice
“Sure, Mom, I’ll help.” As soon as she spoke the words, Mary thought, “I do not have the time or energy for this! Why did I agree to help?” Sometimes we say “yes” automatically because we are people-pleasers. We could be feeling guilty or emotionally tied to a situation and, before we even think about […]
Creating Wellness When it Seems Impossible
When I’m working with a caregiver over the phone and I hear them struggling to prioritize their needs or find the time and energy to keep well, it’s incredibly difficult for me to respond with: “Put your own oxygen mask on first before helping the person you are caring for.” It’s one thing for […]
The Value of Peer Support
By Wendy Johnstone “New to the caregiver support group, I was so nervous and skeptical about attending. My doctor suggested I give it a try. They were all strangers to me; I wasn’t sure if I wanted to open up about my wife’s disease. As I walked to my car after the meeting, I felt […]
Caregiving Done Safely
Caregiving often involves physically demanding tasks. It requires conscientious care for your loved one – and for your own health. Performing tasks in a way that minimizes stress on your body can help prevent injuring yourself and the person for whom you are caring.
Caregiving Done Safely
By Wendy Johnstone Caregiving often involves physically demanding tasks. It requires conscientious care for your loved one – and for your own health. Performing tasks in a way that minimizes stress on your body can help prevent injuring yourself and the person for whom you are caring. Consulting with a specialist such as a rehabilitation […]
Living With Chronic Pain
By Wendy Johnstone Chronic pain can be overwhelming. Chronic pain is different for everyone and finding out what works to help manage it might take some trial and error. Caring for someone else while in pain adds an extra layer of complexity. Sarah, 55, lives with fibromyalgia and is a caregiver to her spouse who […]
Summer Holidays
By Wendy Johnstone It’s that time again – summer holidays – and for myself that means a week long cycling trip in Oregon to recharge my batteries. Yes, this week’s column on caregivers taking holidays is a bit of a “re-run” from last summer. In my defense, I would argue some information is worth repeating […]