About Family Caregiver Month
May is Family Caregiver Month, an opportunity to join millions across the country to recognize and celebrate the vital role of family and friend caregivers. Their role is significant, giving over 80% of the care when we need it, yet they are often unrecognized, unsupported and underappreciated.
Family Caregivers of BC (FCBC) is part of a National Caregiver Recognition Working Group, together kicking off year 3 of the Caregiver Aware Campaign. Although we have different days and weeks in addition to the month of May to recognize caregivers across Canada, we are fortunate to have a strong, committed core group of champions with FCBC, Caregivers Alberta, the Ontario Caregivers Organization, Young Caregivers Association, RANQ Quebec, Caregivers Nova Scotia, RBC iCARE and researchers with Caregivers4Change. The May campaign follows National Caregiver Day in Canada—April 6th—in which Carers Canada led a national campaign. Together we are growing our impact.
The Caregiver Aware Campaign is focusing on four key themes: Mental Health & Caregiving, Financial Impact of Caregiving, Work, School and Caregiving, and Caregivers as Essential Partners in Care. Our research and service data showed that these four areas were most important to caregivers. Our FCBC COVID-19 Survey revealed that what was hard, got harder since the pandemic hit. For example, over 50% of caregivers reported their mental health was worse since the initial March 2020 lockdown. Now, more than ever, we need to help link caregivers to support, education and information that will bolster their well-being.
What can YOU do? Are you a caregiver? Do you know someone who is? Please help to make some noise and increase awareness of unpaid family and friend caregivers. Reach out to your networks—family, friends, neighbours and workplaces—through email and social networks. Explore our resources yourself and pass them on. Many caregivers don’t self-identify, and many don’t realize that there are resources and supports available.
And, be sure to attend FCBC’s first-ever Podcast Listening Party on May 14th and a special edition of our provincial support group titled Caregivers Connect: Celebration on May 27th in honour of Family Caregiver Month.
*Please note, the May 27th event will be a celebration and not a regular support group. Therefore, you are welcome to attend the Victoria Virtual Support Group in May if you are seeking a regular support group format.
Read the Caregiver Proclamation
The Province of BC officially proclaimed May 2021 “Family Caregiver Month,” signed by the Attorney General and Minister Responsible for Housing and the Lieutenant Governor. Read the proclamation here.
Read the Letter from the Parliamentary Secretary
This month, Mable Elmore, the Parliamentary Secretary of Seniors’ Services and Long-term Care wrote a letter acknowledging the contribution of caregivers. Read the statement here.
Help Spread the Word
If you wish to spread the word about Family Caregiver Month on your respective social media channels, you are invited to share the pre-prepared messages and images in our Media Kit.