Caregiver Support

ANTICIPATORY GRIEF SUPPORT

Once your loved one has received a diagnosis of a life limiting illness you will both find yourselves experiencing many common emotional reactions. Both of you will start the process of grieving. You will anticipate the meaning of the possiblity of death and how this will impact yourself and your family. With the death of a loved one the family is changed forever.

This is a difficult time of uncertain duration. "Anticipatory grief refers to the normal process of mourning that occurs in anticipation of the death and its consequences" (Rando 1984). Most often "anticipatory grief" refers to the family members. It is important to recognize the client goes through a similar process.

According to Rando (1984) this process involves adapting in a number of ways to the difficult changes that have or will occur as a result of the illness and expected death. Both the individuals and the family system are greatly impacted. (read more...)

Volunteers assigned to clients and families are available to support clients and families in sorting through conflicting feelings, new demands, and the changes during this process.

RESPITE CARE

For adult clients and families who are experiencing the effects of a life limiting illness, volunteers are provided on a regular or ad hoc basis for short periods of time to patient and family caregivers.

Respite provides a needed break for both the caregiver and the care receiver, a chance to rejuvenate for a few hours, or for the caregiver to just buy the groceries, pay the bills, etc. See information on Caregiver Burnout (compassion fatigue)

Volunteers are available to visit in the client's home, hospital, longterm care facilities and Ty Watson House. Hospice volunteer time may also be "piggy-backed" with Community Health Worker time (Home Support) to allow the caregiver a longer period of time away from home.

Caregivers may experience some benefit from Healing Touch or Reiki

For Respite care at Ty Watson House

CAREGIVERS TIME-OUT GROUP

Every 2nd and 4th Tuesday 1:30-3:00pm

Ty Watson House (lower level) 2649 2nd Avenue

Phone AV Hospice 723-4478 for information and registration or email: Theresa@albernihospice.ca

This group is for anyone experiencing the joys and stresses of caring for an adult with a life limiting OR chronic illness that may at some point become life threatening. The group is a caring, supportive, non- judgmental environment and an excellent way to:

• alleviate your aloneness
• meet other caregivers with similar experiences
• give you an opportunity to focus on yourself
• be listened to in a non-judgemental, caring, and supportive environment
• give you the opportunity to laugh, cry or talk with someone who understands that you have your own needs and won't make you feel guilty
• relieve stress and avoid compassion fatigue (burnout)
• learn more about community resources
• give you the opportunity to help one another with suggestions and ideas

Volunteers are provided (if required) to take care of your loved one while you attend the group.

A volunteer may also pick you up and return you home if you do not have transportation.