Research shows that family caregivers who list self-care as a priority can better provide care, are at lower risk of burnout and becoming ill, and find more joy in their role as a caregiver. Starting with small acts of self-care can create the opportunity to see the benefits. Calling a friend who lifts you up, […]
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Informal Respite and Supports vs. Formal Respite and Supports
On November 18, Wendy Johnstone of Family Caregivers of BC led a Facebook Live on the topic of Informal Respite and Supports vs. Formal Respite and Supports. Along with Wendy’s informative video, here are some additional resources to support caregivers: Blogs: Creating a Circle of Care for Caregivers: Mobilizing Informal Respite Getting a Break from […]
How Do You Know When Your Spouse or Aging Parent Needs More Care?
When I was about 25 years old, my grandmother stopped allowing her family and friends to step over the door sill into her apartment. Like the Queen’s Guard (only friendlier), my grandmother would stand at her post and block all entries to her home. She would wave off all forms of assistance with her groceries […]
Learn About Our Intensive Journal Workshop for Caregivers
Family caregivers, even before the 2020 pandemic, found themselves contending with daunting responsibilities. Caring for a loved one can transpire into a lingering and exhaustive act of compassion, shadowed with doubts, fears, fatigue and loneliness. Feeling alone and isolated due to limited supports and resources, questions rise daily for volunteer family care givers. This can […]
Volunteer Appreciation!
Marlene Schlotterbeck, thanks for your remarkable support during the Pandemic! We are especially grateful for the extraordinary dedication of our volunteer Marlene Schlotterbeck, who has made outstanding contributions to our Provincial and Greater Victoria Caregiver Support Program. Marlene first connected with us in 2019 at our Victoria Evening Support Group. Our facilitator and staff […]
A Caregiver Story: Caring with Self-Compassion
Written by B.I. I have been a caregiver for over five years to my elderly father. He still lives independently from me, in spite of some serious health issues that at times have landed him in the hospital. Of late, I have also taken on a caregiving role with another family member who lives in […]
A Caregiver Story: Pat
Written by Patricia Smith ~In honour of Family Caregiver Month, we asked our community to share their personal stories about caregiving—the joys, the challenges, insights gained—to share with other caregivers and our larger communities. Here is one such submission… DENSE FOG VISIBILITY LIMITED was the warning on the highway sign at the base of the […]
A Caregiver Story: Linda
Written by Linda Tang ~In honour of Family Caregiver Month, we asked our community to share their personal stories about caregiving—the joys, the challenges, insights gained—to share with other caregivers and our larger communities. Here is one such submission… I have lived with my mother since the 1970s in Viet Nam when the war-torn country […]
The Resilience Battery: Why it’s Important to Keep Yours Charged
By, Nikita Paddock, PHN, BScN, RYT Resilience is often recognized after an event or situation that has pushed an individual, community, or group out of their comfort zone, or through trauma. Resilience can be better understood by comparing it to something we depend on: our smartphone battery. If you take a look at the upper […]
Caregiving During COVID-19
Written by Kate Landreth Caregivers’ voices and experiences are a central element to our educational resources and support offerings at FCBC. We listen to understand the needs of caregivers with the intention to provide relevant information and topics that will assist and support the wellbeing of caregivers. Your voice truly does matter! We are grateful […]