Blog

Once the decision has been made that placement in a care community is necessary, caregivers are often faced with the “what next” question. Because there are different levels of care and each community has a different ‘personality’, it’s very important to be as prepared as possible for the transition.  In Episode 12 of our Caregivers […]

Written by Wendy Johnstone, Provincial Program Consultant and Gerontologist with Family Caregivers of BC and originally published in Inspired 55+ Lifestyle Magazine. Margo is doing a lot: she’s caring for her husband who is recovering from a stroke, and she’s supporting her adult daughter with mental health challenges. She’s still working part-time and is now […]

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, […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]