A JOURNEY OF CARE Supporting caregivers in Nova Scotia THERESE HENMAN-PHILLIPS, RSW
In November 2017, my father became ill and was eventually diagnosed with a form of dementia. Coming from a supportive family network, we rallied to try and provide the care he needed at home, eventually supporting a hospitalization and a journey towards long term care.
As a social worker for the past 35 years, I have prided myself on my ability to be resourceful. This was a system and experience I was unfamiliar with. It was personal.
Navigating the complicated health and long-term care systems, supporting my 82 year old mother in decision making while working full time and juggling family responsibilities as a working caregiver, left me mostly exhausted, discouraged, and emotionally barren. My father died in March 2019. Although a difficult journey, I take pride in being one of his caregivers in his final years but it did come with costs personally and I know I am not alone. In May 2019, two months after my father’s death, I discovered Caregivers Nova Scotia (CNS), a non-profit that, for over 20 years, has been dedicated to providing recognition as well as information, support, and education to unpaid family and friend caregivers. A little late maybe, but statistics would
Winter 2020 | Connection 23
