Family Caregivers BC

Family Caregiver Resources

Add a Pharmacist to your Care Team

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Managing medications including ensuring the accurate use of prescriptions, avoiding adverse reactions, and juggling costs can be daunting for caregivers and individuals with chronic illnesses. In Canada, over 400 types of medicines are dispensed regularly, with another 1,600+ ordered on an as-needed basis. Adverse drug reactions (ADRs) are the primary reason for nearly two-thirds of all hospital admissions and emergency room visits. Approximately 14% of patients do not fill prescriptions due to cost. Finding and consistently working with a local pharmacist can help you avoid problems and navigate these challenges. It will also add an invaluable member to your care support team. [Read more…]

Reducing Holiday Stress

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For many of us, December marks the start of holiday gatherings and festivities, making it feel like “the most wonderful time of the year.” Some family caregivers, however, may find themselves singing a different tune (think: “He’s a mean one, Mr. Grinch”).

While holidays bring opportunities for joy, traditions and new experiences, they can also bring feelings of being overwhelmed with caregiving tasks. Stressed-out caregivers may view traditional holiday preparations as more of an energy drain than a joy. Some caregivers are not be able to participate as fully as they would like in activities they cherish.

If notions of the holiday season are zapping your merriment, read on. [Read more…]

Accessing Community Resources

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If you are unsure about what kind of help you can access in the community when caring for someone, you are among the many British Columbians who find navigating the healthcare system overwhelming and confusing.

Many caregivers find the co-ordination role (like that of a case manager) the most stressful part of caregiving, even though it takes less time than providing personal care or helping with other caregiving tasks. [Read more…]

International Day of Charity

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Ickworth House in the West of Suffolk – an estate built in 1795

In honour of International Day of Charity, we have partnered with Suffolk Family Carers. Here is a quick blog they wrote for us about what they are doing for Family Caregivers in England.

At Suffolk Family Carers, we believe in unpaid family carers Living Fuller Lives.

For over 30 years, we have provided information, advice and support to thousands of family carers throughout the English rural county of Suffolk. Through working with family carers, we campaign on issues that affect them directly and ensure their voices is heard – enabling them to have a life of their own alongside their caring role. [Read more…]