7TH ANNUAL CAREGIVER SENIOR EXPO
&
SATURDAY MAY 24, 2025 • 12-4PM
SILVER HARBOUR CENTRE, 144 EAST 22ND ST, NORTH VAN
May is CAREGIVER APPRECIATION MONTH
Stories of Impact
At North Shore Community Resources (NSCR), we run a number of support groups and free workshops throughout the year. Periodically, we ask our program members for their thoughts and feelings around what impact these have on their caregiving, grief and wellness journeys. Below are a sample of some of these, quoted verbatim. Some are emotional and heartwarming; others refer to the practical assistance and resources we offer, or that simply come out of our group discussions. NSCR is proud to support our North Shore community members in times of great vulnerability:
Our Men’s Group, for men caring for partners, either at home or in care, has grown to 25 members. Aside from the sharing and discussion that goes on, we have hosted guest presenters on Palliative Care, MAID, and Home & Community Care (all through Vancouver Coastal
Health), a tax accountant, an author of a book geared towards men in similar circumstances, and more. Our Coordinator (Vic) recently took over facilitating the group as the previous volunteer leader (Pat) had run it for 4 years and, a year after his wife’s passing, felt it time to move on Our annual survey had this comment from a group member:
“I cannot think of any other intervention (Dr., Psychologist, etc.) that has helped me as much as this men’s group. The most beneficial thing for me is seeing in the descriptions of others on this journey what may be coming in, and getting real life, real time advice about how to cope and prepare in advance. The meetings are run very effectively and supported with speakers and information by Pat and now, Vic.”
NSCR’s Caregiver Support Group is open to all program members and we have had presentations by professionals on boundaries, self-care, Emotion Focused Family Therapy, and more. A member of our group meetings, where we also spend dedicated time sharing feelings and practicalities around being a family caregiver, recently commented:
“I feel I need this community to help me regarding the support I provide my mom. And I enjoy the attendees. And I want to say that I appreciate how you facilitate the conversations, and that you do so with care and compassion.”
Our Bereavement Group is for those who have experienced loss of a loved one and these meetings can involve heavy emotions. The hope is that people leave feeling a little lighter with the support of the other members, and the resources on offer. This group has recently added coffee socials, a walking group, and a Christmas Day lunch outside of regular meetings for those feeling alone and in need of a friendly, understanding face A group member sent this email to Vic and co-facilitator, Melanie, after attending the group for over a year: ➡
7TH ANNUAL CAREGIVER & SENIOR EXPO •
Saturday May 24, 12-4 p.m.
➡
“Thanks for your message. I think I’m ready to move on as I’m feeling much stronger in not missing my Mother as much. So I want to thank you for your very kind support and wish you and Melanie well in your continued support for this much needed program.”
Our Persian Wellness and Education Group, held fully in Farsi, is a vibrant group which features guest presenters each meeting, courtesy of our new group leaders who took over in the Fall of 2024. Presenters speak on things such as brain health, physical self-care regimens, issues concerning new immigrants, poetry, music and Nowruz celebrations. There is a Telegram Group administered by our group leaders and we greatly encourage our Farsi-speaking community on the North Shore to contact us to get the link and receive meeting reminders, dates and times. One group member recently wrote:
“Through NSCR Persian group, I was able to connect with several Iranians in the community and learn about various health topics from experts.
I believe NSCR Persian group is an amazing program for Iranian immigrants to stay connected to one another and ask for advice/ help from people who may have experienced the same hardships.”
We established our Korean Wellness and Education Group in the Fall of 2022 and it has brought our Korean community on the North Shore together through the hard work of our group leader, Yoonwon, with NSCR’s support. Meetings are held fully in Korean. In our recent survey, when asked what group members found to be most
beneficial about attending, one kindly wrote:
“Meet friends and learn a lot with our community. Thank you!! I really appreciate this program to let us chance gathering together and feels as a good team.”
And lastly, we are incredibly fortunate to have a gifted writer, Catherine, who contributes to every bi-monthly Grapevine Newsletter and our bi-weekly blog (found via links on our NSCR site on the Caregiver Support Program page) on various topics around the caregiving journey, as is clearly in evidence from the praises sung here by one of our dedicated blog readers:
“Catherine! You are a gift to me! Your writing never disappoints and often.. no ..always “moves” me sometimes
to tears.. sometimes to laughter. Your writing is so right on!! Thank you for not being afraid to express ..or perhaps feel the fear and express anyway your “humanness”. I feel affirmed, encouraged and a little less alone.”
For more information, details, or to find out more about NSCR’s Caregiver Support Program, please contact: Vic Gailiunas (Caregiver Support Program Coordinator): Email: Vic.Gailiunas@nscr.ca Phone: 604-982-3320
Whathas your journeybeen intoand through caregiving?
My journey began26yearsago when Iwas only 34. At that time,Ilived at home and caredfor my parents, who were retired professors.Caregivinginvolved things likehousework,yardwork, petcare, pet emergencies and the like, as well as odd jobs liketroubleshootingTVremotes andother electronics whichisn’t in my comfortzone butnevertheless, Ihad to step up to the plateonmanyoccasions Those familiar with my writingwill know the metaphor of warveterans often fits with the kind of caregivingIendedup doing —but after my motherbecame severely ill with cancer my work became even moreintense. My mother passed away 5years ago, and my father 2years ago. So,myjourney?.. Ups, downs, and everythinginbetween. TechnicallyI’m no longeracaregiver,although arguably ‘once
Mayis CAREGIVER APPRECIATIONMONTH
acaregiver,alwaysacaregiver.’ As some astute person said, acaregiver’s ‘journey’ (anoverusedword, itseems to me,but for lack of abetterone,Iwill useit), islike travellingto‘anothercountry’. And yet, to have done it,IfeelIamsomehow abetter person for it,whichisactuallyapriceless gift
Tell us aboutyour involvement with North ShoreCommunity Resources, and specifically,how youcame to volunteer withus?
I’ve been volunteeringsince Iwas about 14.Iamaconsummatevolunteer.It waswhile at adifferentvolunteer jobat NorthShoreNeighbourhood Housethat I learnedofavolunteer blogger opportunity at NSCR,in2014. Ijumpedonit and have neverlookedback, 11 yearslater. VolunteeringatNSCRhas allowedmeto grow,not onlyasavolunteer,but alsoasa
person (anotherpricelessgift!). Ibelie we were all put on thisEarth forareaso andifthere wasany doubt in my mind to why, it is certainlyclear now. Whatdoyou feel aresome of the benefits to attending anNSCR SupportGroup or workshop? Really, to be honest, I’mnot the ‘support group’ type.But,Ioften do attend and IAMalifelong learner, which is whyfor the second time,I’m glad I rejoinedNSCR’sfreecourse‘Powerful Tools forCaregivers.’For me,learningis my vehicle.It’show Ijourneythrough life (there’sthatwordagain!) And also, when youlistentoother caregivers talk,you realizethatthereare moresimilarities betweenhumans than there are differences.Alwaysavaluable life lesson. What do youdofor your ownselfcare?Whatkeeps youbusyand feeling positive?
person (another priceless gift!). I believe all put on this Earth for a reason, and if there was any doubt in my mind as
Busy,yes,uptoapoint, and then, no. Forawritermust have downtimeand a writer must write. It is as crucial as food or wateristome. Foraformof‘therapy’ andcatharsis,Ilifewrite, whichmeans
basically, exploringand asking questions aboutmylife narrative. I’ve developed anew writingtoolfor insomniacalled ‘Downinthe Dumpster of Life’or ‘DumpsterWriting’,for short. I’ll expand on that in aMay Caregiver Support ProgramBlogPost. Personally, Ifind life in this century quitedifficultand often farcical whichiswhy Isay to myself sometimes:‘L’Enfer,c’est moi.’(Or to translate ‘Hellisme.’) Didn’t Sartre sayhell wasother people? I‘m not sure Ientirely agree, though to acertain extent, Ido. Just for your info,the URL of the Caregiver Blog is:NSCR(NorthShoreCommunity Resources) NorthVan Caregivers’ Blog: northvancaregivers.wordpress.com And thanksfor givingmeanother opportunitytoexpress!
SPONSORED CONTENT
The North Shore’s Original Home Care Company
Shylo Home Healthcare is a North Shore success story.
The founder, Betty Brown, a nurse from West Vancouver, recognised the need for inhome care back in the 1970s when there was no government home support program or private Home Care agencies, so she formed Shylo Nursing Services Her original group of about a dozen RNs started serving clients on The North Shore but quickly grew to serve clients all over the Lower Mainland
Margot Ware initially contacted Shylo to help support her mother who was battling terminal cancer, and later her aged grandfather Margot was fortunate to grow up in a
multigenerational family in West Vancouver with her mother and grandmother both being RNs, and her grandfather a renown Canadian surgeon Dr W. G. Cosbie MD, OBGYN, FRCPC, RCP, LLD who was integral in the formation of the Canadian Cancer Society. Margot grew up
seeing her grandparents age gracefully and pass peacefully in their own beds—this obviously influenced Margot’s vocational aspirations.
Margot was pleased to join the company that had supported her family for many years
and work her way from a Companion in 1985 to buying the company as a Geriatric Specialist RN in 1998, where she proudly continues offering quality care to the citizens in our community.
“If you’re going to be in the nursing care business, we believe you really should be a nurse.”
As we often say at Shylo,“If you’re going to be in the nursing care business, we believe you really should be a nurse”.
Shylo continues to be the only Home Care agency that is owned and managed by a local RN and offers clients a complementary
intake assessment with one of our Geriatric Nurse Specialists
Our RNs visit our clients regularly to assess their evolving healthcare needs and are available 24-7 for support by phone for both our clients and caregivers—all a complementary part of Shylo’s service It is our honour and privilege to be trusted to care for you and your loved ones. With Shylo it’s Your Home—Your Health—Your Choice TM
Margot C. Ware
RN BScN CNG(C) shylohomehealthcare.ca 604-985-6881
ShyloHome Healthcare is right in your neighbourhood. We arethe local professionals that know how hard it can be on afamilywhen aloved oneisill. Life does notstop. You still have afulltimejob,kidsthat need you, and aloved one that is strugglingtomanage on their own. Let us help! We can be therewith home care up to 24/7, medication assistance, meals, even ridestodoctor’s appointments. This is the caring solution foryour loved oneand your family.
Sincere Gratitud NSCR’s New Pers Group Leadersh
For the last 6 years, Noushin Beheshtipour has led our vibrant Persian Wellness and Education Group, which is held fully in Farsi Through her hard work, expertise and determination to bring excellent programming and increased awareness on important topics (ie: brain health, tips for new immigrants, heart health, tax tips, etc.) affecting members of our North Shore Persian community, the group has grown exponentially. For example, at our Nowruz celebration last year, we had 53 (!) people in our Community Room singing, sharing food and celebrating together. Noushin’s dedication has been unwavering and impressive to behold, but after 6 years, she has decided to move on to other pursuits, and we at (and all of Ali, and her This bring leadershi forward wi women: Ay Neeki Alav with the Ca various ca We are th here:
Connect
50-221 West Esplanade North Vancouver, Bowinn.Ma.MLA@leg.bc.ca 604-981-0033
AYDA FA “Hi everyo I began vo Communit
217-1233 Lynn Valley Road North Vancouver, Susie.Chant.MLA@leg.bc.ca 604-983-9859
7TH ANNUAL CAREGIVER & SENIOR EXPO •
May 24, 12-4 p.m.
➡ COVID-19 pandemic I was eager to support those in need, so I started by assisting with grocery shopping and providing transportation to medical appointments for individuals who were unable to manage these tasks themselves Later, I became involved with the caregiver support group, and I’m now excited to be part of the team coordinating the Wellness and Education Group. I look forward to contributing to this important program and continuing to help make a difference in the community.”
MOBINA FATHI:
“Hello, my name is Mobina, I recently graduated from UBC with a Bachelor of Science and am now working towards applying to grad schools. I’ve always been passionate about helping others, which is why I’ve volunteered with several foundations that support marginalized communities. Knowing that I can make a difference in someone’s life is truly fulfilling for me. In my free time, I love hanging out with my family and friends,
going for walks, and watching movies. These moments help me relax and stay balanced. I’m also really excited to be joining the Persian group at NSCR! I look forward to connecting with everyone and contributing to the group in any way I can. I can’t wait to be part of this wonderful community!
NEEKI ALAVI:
“My work with NSCR began in January 2024, where I volunteered with the Better at Home program and wrote articles for
the Grapevine newsletter. After returning home to North Vancouver from school in Ontario, I wanted to be involved in an organization that empowered community engagement, especially with services for seniors. My grandparents are long-time residents of the North Shore and recipients of NSCR services, which is what drove my desire to volunteer my time with NSCR. Although it has been a short time for me at NSCR, I am eager to be more involved and am proud and excited to be a co-leader of the Persian Wellness and Education group alongside Ayda and Mobina.”
These three educated, energetic, young women will be sharing the group’s duties, from communication, to research and securing guest presenters, to facilitating the meetings, and continuing the wonderful work and sense of community Noushin established in her time with us. Ayda, Mobina, Neeki, and I look forward to seeing you at our next Persian Wellness and Education Group meeting!
Vic Gailiunas Caregiver Support Program Coordinator (NSCR)
Ayda Fathi
Mobina Fathi Neeki Alavi
PRESENTER SCHEDULE
North Shore Community Resources is proud to present the following speakers:
CORINNE STEWART
RN BScN Clinical Coordinator, Vancouver Coastal Health, Home & Community Care
12:15PM
Case Management: How and When to get a Case Manager; and Long-Term Care Homes: How and When to Apply
Corinne is a Clinical Coordinator for the Case Management Team on the North Shore. Prior to this she worked as a frontline case manager for over 30 years for VCH. Corinne has supported clients and their families to navigate resources and services to support them through their final years. Corinne now supports VCH’s frontline case management team in their work.
ATradition of Trust
DR. MELANIE BADALI
Clinical Psychologist
Caregiver Strategies for Clarifying and Communicating Healthy Boundaries
2:15PM
Dr Melanie Badali is an award-winning psychologist with two decades of experience working as a clinician, researcher, and educator. At the North Shore Stress and Anxiety Clinic, she helps people optimize their health using science-based strategies As a mental health advocate, she shares psychology knowledge through public speaking, writing, and media communication.
Saturday May 24, 12-4 p.m.
1:15PM
CHANTAL BOURKE
Registered Clinical Counselor Self-Care, Caregiver Burnout, and Coping with Difficult Emotions in Our Loved Ones
Chantal Bourke is a Registered Clinical Counsellor. Her focus has been on mental health, family systems, parent coaching, and systemic practices She has worked at BC Children’s Hospital, The Maples Treatment Center and Child and Youth Mental Health. Chantal has worked with a variety of mental health diagnoses such as: Anxiety, Depression, ADHD, Attachment Styles, and Parenting and Psychosis. She focuses on a therapeutic approach called Emotion Focused Family Therapy (EFFT)
3:15PM
LISA DAWSON
Independent Long-Term Care Councils Association of BC &
JANICE DESJARDINS
Vancouver Coastal Association of Family Councils
Family Councils: Nothing About Us Without us! Increase Quality of Life in Long-Term Care with what we already have: Our Voices!
Lisa is the Vice President/Secretary of the Independent Long-Term Care Councils Association of BC. She works to help improve the quality of life for all residents through promoting collective advocacy and community among families of residents, and to improving the quality of life for older adults in LTC on all levels – locally, regionally and provincially.
Janice has served as a Director of VCAFC since its inception in 2020 and as a Representative to ILTCCABC. She is also Co-Chair with the Vancouver Coastal Health RRFCN. Janice is committed to all aspects of a mission to reform LTC through supporting the start-ups of new and existing family councils in order to continue to elevate resident and family voices to the Ministry of Health to affecting government support and policy change.
