May brings spring flowers. It’s also a time to acknowledge family caregivers and the vital role they play in our healthcare system and in the lives of their loved ones.

While caregiving is unique to every person, it’s a common family experience. Almost 30 per cent of British Columbians are in a caregiving role. With 1,000 calls to the support line last year, we had the privilege to have caregivers share their stories. We listened and here’s a small glimpse into what they said.

Caregivers provide support in many ways. Sometimes it’s a daily check-in call, other times it’s transferring someone from their wheelchair to the bed. In some cases, it’s caring for a grandchild while the parent undergoes surgery or treatment. Caregiving can be short in duration during a terminal illness or for over 10 years caring for someone with a chronic illness or mental health challenge. Regardless what they are doing or for how long, it’s often an emotional journey with ups and downs and twisty turns. [Read more…]

Most of us, at some point, will take part in the marathon of caregiving. It’s not usually something we anticipate, sign up for or train for, but it has become the new normal as our aging population enjoys life – prolonged by medical science while grappling with chronic disease.

According to Statistics Canada, family caregivers in BC represent 28 per cent of our population. The majority are women and 60 per cent are employed. A family caregiver’s role spans an average of six years with 89 per cent of caregivers caring for over a year. For every hour of paid care being received, family caregivers are doing 10 hours of unpaid care.  Despite the enormous number, their compassion and commitment largely go unacknowledged and unsupported. [Read more…]

Marilyn is 55 years old, works part-time in retail and has two teens at home. She currently cares for her partner who has chronic pain and a brain injury from a motor vehicle accident. She feels like the “linchpin” in her family and is the case manager for her partner and for her two children. She’ll be the first to tell you her life isn’t easy or what she imagined it to be. In the next breath, Marilyn will tell you how thankful she is to be able to care for her partner and to see her children step up with pitching in and being caring and compassionate towards their father.

[Read more…]