Caregivers provide unpaid care and emotional support to family members and friends Presenter: Shelly Collins with Ms. Lorraine Best NL Caregivers Out of Isolation - Seniors Resource Centre of NL

Why am I here ? To provide information on caregiving issues To inform you about the Provincial Caregivers out of Isolation Program with the Seniors Resource Centre of Newfoundland and Labrador

Synopsis of presentation Caregiving: An overview Building a support network – Why is it important? Getting organized making plans Finding the balance - self care Caregivers Out of Isolation A caregivers perspective – Ms. Lorraine Best Thank you for attending this session

Who is a caregiver and whom do they care for ?

A Caregiver is Someone, of any age, who provides unpaid care to a person whose ability to care for themselves is restricted

Caregivers can have different life experiences. They may: Live in rural or urban areas Have low, medium, or high incomes Come from different ethnic backgrounds Have different religious and spiritual beliefs

A care receiver is someone, of any age, who needs assistance as a result of: An illness An impairment An injury A medical diagnosis at anytime including birth Failing health

At some point in our lives most of us will be a caregiver – or a care receiver. We will provide care or assistance to a spouse, partner, parent, child or friend.

What do caregivers do ? Coordinating the care plan Helping around the house Transportation Personal care Emotional support Dealing with financial and legal affairs Planning respite care Advocacy

The Caregiver and Care Receiver Relationship Can be complicated – Feelings of love even guilt and resentment It is a short term care arrangement It is a long term care arrangement You and your caregiver live in the same home or separate homes or even a care facility Long distance caregiving is the new reality

When caregiving is left to one person This is often referred to as being a “Primary Caregiver” and can happen for different reasons A parent wants one particular child to care for them Family members that are contributing financially feel they are giving enough Family members may live far apart Siblings who work outside the home or have other family responsibilities, think other family members have more time for caregiving

When caregivng is a team effort Communication is key ! Include the care receiver in decisions as much as possible Share activities and strengths with others Be honest about your time and financial commitment Be willing to compromise, circumstances and people change Some times all you have to do is ask ! Ask for Help!!!

Build a Support Network What is available close to home ? What can my employer offer? (Flex time ) What support is available in my community ? What support is available online ? Online chats and forums that can help What support is available in the region or province? For respite care, home care, palliative care, and nursing homes? For prescription medications? For persons with disabilities?

What support is available from the Federal Government? As a caregiver, you may be eligible for various forms of assistance from the Government of Canada. Service Canada has prepared a list : Apply for Employment Insurance Compassionate Care Benefits Claim the Caregiver Amount on your Income Tax Explore Live in caregiver Options CPP Disability – Part of the Canada Pension Plan Canada Pension Plan Survivor Benefits For more information

What is available from the Provincial Government Support can be made available for respite care, home care services, palliative care and nursing homes. There can be nursing home or lodging subsidies Provincial Prescription Drug Program These programs and subsidies are offered through the Regional Health Authorities on an individual basis In special circumstances there is also services/funding available through HRLE (See Programs and Services Guide for Individuals and Families)

What is available from the Provincial Caregivers Out of Isolation Program ? Free - Caregiver Information Line

Caregiver Support Group Caregiver Support Group St. John’s Region Meet once a month The groups are open for those providing care to family or friends, regardless of age or care giving situation This group also has an educational component (Guest speakers are brought in as requested)

Caring Solutions Newsletter Quarterly & Free 1000 people on distribution Mail out 300 are distributed electronically Province Wide View the most current Caring Solutions newsletter online at

Caregiver Information Guide NEW * A Information Guide * Almost complete This will include useful information for caregivers on: Navigating the system Respite Stress relief /dealing with emotions Communication Issues Home repair /Housing issues Elder Abuse

The caregiver as an advocate Seeking out support, services and good care for your care receiver means you are advocating for them. You and other family members know your care receiver better than anyone. As an advocate, you want to make sure the care receiver is looked after safely, with dignity.

Why self care is important Sometimes caring for the needs of another can feel overwhelming and stressful. As a caregiver, you may feel guilty about taking time for yourself. That can negatively impact your health, employment, and your relationship with the care receiver and your caregiving abilities. If not careful this can lead to “Burnout”.

Are You Burned Out? Burnout Symptom #1: Emotional Exhaustion This symptom presents with the feeling of being emotionally drained, as if you feel you’ve got nothing left to give, even when dealing with the people and relationships that matter to you most. Burnout Symptom #2: Depersonalization You feel mechanical and robotic. It’s as if you’re just going through the motions to survive the day. You feel as if your normal self has disappeared. Burnout Symptom #3: A Sense of Diminished Personal Accomplishment Chronic stress can result in you feeling that you just can’t get anything right. You may feel that you are failing at your job or in your relationships. You’ve become very hard on yourself. Dr. Oz says if how you feel matches up with these symptoms, it may be a sign that chronic stress has taken its toll on your body. But there are things you can do to more effectively manage your stress and reduce your risk of burnout.

If you could take away 1 thing from this presentation Plan ahead and prepare for the unexpected