This is a team tribute to Katherine Willett who was fondly known by many nicknames in our Victoria Office at Family Caregivers of BC (FCBC). Self-referenced as “Weedy Willett”, Katherine was tireless in her quest for family caregivers. She dug into details and as the “Networking Guru” spread the word wherever she could about the need to get caregivers the attention they deserve in the health care system. [Read more…]
Tips for dealing with the health care system
By Wendy Johnstone
Mrs. B is 70 years old was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease five years ago. She is on the highest dosage of a “memory pill” and is well supported at home with her spouse. She is very functional and maintains a high level of independence and quality of life. But cracks are starting to show. Three months ago she fell and hit her head hard resulting in blood on her brain and notably, a decline in her memory loss. Her physician felt it would be important to monitor over a few months to see how well she “bounced back”. Mrs. B also presents very well and most times when people meet her, they don’t understand just how affected she is by her memory loss. As she and her spouse went to see her physician today to make some decisions about her medication, a memory test was given. The physician was shocked at how poorly she did. Her spouse wasn’t as shocked. Mrs. B was devastated and was grief-stricken with news of her advancing loss. [Read more…]
Finding a New Normal
A friend in his mid-50s cared for his wife for over 10 years before she died from complications related to her chronic and often unpredictable disease. He juggled being a business owner, a husband and a caregiver. After the initial shock and grief of losing his wife, he found himself wondering what his life was going to look like if he was longer a husband or caregiver. [Read more…]
Personal Planning Tools
By Joanne Taylor
Tax season is a reminder to family caregivers to check on the necessary legal authority that allows them to help a spouse, aging parent or other person they support. Many people tend to focus on estate planning and making a Will. This type of planning is for after death. It is also important to do personal planning – in case help is needed when a person is alive. [Read more…]
Moving to Complex Care
Making the decision to move a spouse or aging parent into long-term care is one of the most difficult decisions families make. Guilt, resentment, confusion and relief are just some of the emotions caregivers experience. Many families tend to underestimate how difficult the transition can be and often find themselves practically and emotionally unprepared. [Read more…]
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