As the population of Vancouver Island continues to get older, so does the number of people providing unpaid caregiving duties for aging parents, spouses and loved ones. Being a family caregiver can be incredibly rewarding, but, at times, it can also be stressful and challenging, leading to feelings of burnout. More than 13 million people across the country provide unpaid care for individuals facing illness, disability, or aging-related needs. Consider these additional strains on many caregivers:
- 49% of caregivers face financial pressure, and one in five spend more than $12,000 annually out of pocket.
- 59% of caregivers balance paid jobs with their care duties.
- 73% to 77% report negative impacts on their physical or mental well-being, such as stress, fatigue, anxiety, and burnout.
Lycia Rodrigues, a registered clinical counsellor with more than 15 years specializing in working with caregivers, has seen it all. “Burnout for caregivers can look like many things, and often includes depression, anxiety, loss of interest in activities they used to enjoy, and even chronic illnesses.”
Eldercare Foundation has been seeing increased interest and need for resources and education for caregivers. That’s why we are offering Supporting Family Caregivers Through Burnout with Compassion and Resilience; a new series focused on providing emotional and practical support to those who take on this important work. Through these sessions facilitated by Lycia, we are hoping to provide a space for caregivers to gather and share resources and recognition with each other. Louise Pelissier, events coordinator at Eldercare Foundation says that “we are so happy to be able to offer this series for free of charge for caregivers at all points in their journeys. We know how much it is needed, and we hope that it becomes an ongoing series.”
If you are considering joining the sessions, Lycia has some words of wisdom to share. “People often don’t realize they need support. I would encourage caregivers to join us, to explore the resources, hear ideas about options they have, and learn more about strategies that may work for you.” She adds, “Meeting other people can be so important and build that community. They say it takes a village to raise a child, but the same goes for when caring for older people too!”
Supporting Family Caregivers Through Burnout with Compassion and Resilience has a unique structure. Offered monthly, each session offers both a facilitated group discussion and activities, followed by optional booked one-on-one sessions with Lycia. The sessions run on Fridays, starting on September 25 and continuing October 9, November 13, and December 11. Registration for this series is free, thanks to Eldercare Foundation donors.
To learn more and register, visit https://eldercarefoundation.org/event/supporting-family-caregivers-through-burnout-with-compassion-and-resilience-series/