Care Giver

north shore news nsnews.com

WEDNESDAY, MAY 11, 2022

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May is

CAREGIVER APPRECIATION MONTH

Why A Support Group?

- In the Words of North Shore Caregiver Group Members AS SURVEYED BY NORTH SHORE COMMUNITY RESOURCES:

Emotional and practical support is needed now more than ever with the unpredictability and isolation of the last two years of COVID-19. Caregivers have the added stress of looking after loved ones and often feel frustrated, depressed, and alone. NSCR’s Caregiver Support groups offer a community of like-minded, caring people who understand each other’s struggles and often can offer new ways of thinking about things; or a new resource; or simply someone who’ll listen. Some have been caregiving for years; some are brand new to it. NSCR surveyed

their group members and received the following answers to the question: What was the most beneficial thing about participating in the program?

“I checked into the program at a time I felt overwhelmed by the burden and unknowing how to cope with my mother’s failing health. Through sharing of similar experiences and some thoughtful advice, I learned that I am not alone and not weak for feeling the anger and turmoil I had. I am now far more accepting of the

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Don’t miss this special caregiver workshop!

Let’s Talk About Home Care

EMOTION-FOCUSED THERAPY w/ Chantal Bourke, Registered Clinical Counsellor

The needs of caregivers are far reaching, as there are numerous factors to be considered. Many programs can label and address needs that are at the forefront, such as self-care, mindfulness and attending to practical needs of their loved ones.

This workshop will focus on the emotional needs of caregivers, to help increase your resiliency, emotional agility and overall well-being.

3-PART WORKSHOP WEDNESDAYS 1-3PM JUNE 15, 22, 29 Chantal Bourke is a Registered Clinical Counsellor who sees clients in person in North Vancouver and virtually all over BC.

To register for this workshop, please contact Vic Gailiunas - see info below.

CAREGIVER MONTHLY SUPPORT GROUP Meets the first Tuesday of every month and offers family caregivers a time of sharing, listening and connecting with one another. For more info

CAREGIVER SUPPORT PROGRAM nscr.ca

Contact Vic Gailiunas, program coordinator Vic.Gailiunas@nscr.ca or 604-982-3320

Home care can keep older adults in their homes. 9 out of 10 of seniors prefer to age in their own homes. Hiring a caregiver provides the extra support an older adult may need to stay where they most prefer: at home.

Home care helps seniors stay independent longer. A caregiver provides support with activities of daily living, while encouraging mental and physical stimulation and overall wellness.

Home care is personalized to each family. Our care plans at Home Care Assistance are tailored specifically to each client’s unique needs and preferences.

Home care supports advanced care needs. Our caregivers are experienced and trained to support older adults transport from hospital to home, recover from stroke or a major medical procedure and manage chronic conditions such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.

Contact a Case Manager today to schedule your free in-home consultation!

778-279-3634

www.HomeCareAssistanceVancouver.ca 1861 Marine Drive, West Vancouver, BC V7V 1J7

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north shore news nsnews.com

WEDNESDAY, MAY 11, 2022

SPOTLIGHT ON CAREGIVERS

CAREGIVER APPRECIATION MONTH

Proud to be Canadian owned and operated Shylo Home Healthcare started out as Shylo Nursing and was founded in 1980 by Betty Brown, an inspired nurse who wanted to provide a dignified alternative for people with chronic or terminal illnesses wishing to stay in the comfort of their own homes on the North Shore.

Margot Ware, RN BScN CNG(C), the present owner and president of Shylo Home Healthcare, initially joined the company as a Companion in 1986. Impressed by Betty’s home nursing and palliative care of her terminally ill mother,

May is

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and later her aged grandfather, she felt she literally stumbled into her vocation through their wonderful example. Margot started her educational journey towards a Registered Nursing degree while continuing to work as a Healthcare Aide at Shylo. Ten years later when Betty was ready to retire, Margot bought the company that she had grown to love. Margot has maintained the high ethical standards that have always kept Shylo in the forefront of local community service on the North Shore.

“We’re like a family at Shylo and we’re proud to continue offering Home Care services with the special touch only a local community agency can do. We are celebrating our 42nd anniversary in 2022 and we’re looking forward to a further 42 years serving our local community!”

MARGOT WARE, RN BScN, CNG(C), OWNER

SHYLO HOME HEALTHCARE 604-985-6881 www.ShyloHomeHealthcare.ca

situation and find I am taking a much calmer approach, which appears to be having a positive effect on my mom’s behaviour as a result. Thanks to Vic and his team for accepting me into the group. I truly feel that I have gained some useful tools on how to better cope with the challenges and stress of caregiving and I know I now have somewhere to turn when needing help or advice.”

“I don’t feel so alone and I am forgiving myself. I feel like I receive support from the members in the group and I also give support.”

“Exchange of care giving ideas and actions. Feel my ideas appreciated, by fellow caregivers and vice versa.

Emotional reassuring, as others feeling the same, it seems. Eg:

THANK YOU!

there are no easy answers, can be frustrating, but many good stories are shared too. Leading to more clarity and getting things in perspective. Great program, very accepting. As program is not “specialized” to a particular illness or condition, this program feels freeing, to explain one’s caregiving situation.”

“I believe it has been beneficial in two ways – I am pretty sure I’ve been helpful to other members of the group, and I know that other members of the groups have offered ideas and suggestions that have been helpful to me. Another helpful result – I have friends, and friends of friends, who are in the same situation as I have been, and I can direct them to this group, and share with them some of the ideas that have come up in this group.”

“Learning new ways to access very helpful resources either through websites, apps, books, blogs, etc.

Having great speakers and workshops on very relevant issues and topics ■ Meeting participants who selflessly share their experiences, resources, and time ■ Knowing that NSCR will always be there to offer not only community support and relevant programs but staff who are welcoming, accepting, and generous with their time and resources ■

Here’s wishing NSCR will keep on being an active and a strong pillar of the community because the programs and services are so important in helping its residents and at the same time give others the opportunity to support and help as volunteers.”

For more information on NSCR’s support groups, workshops and to sign up for the Grapevine newsletter, please contact: vic.gailiunas@nscr.ca or call 604-982-3320.

We are here for you!

Your one stop shop for home healthcare equipment for living safely and independently at home

We would like to sincerely thank all the Shylo Caregivers who bravely worked during the pandemic to keep our clients safe and comfortable in their homes.

Shylo Home Healthcare would also like to thank frontline workers, healthcare providers, first responders and all those who worked during the pandemic.

2021

www.ShyloHomeHealthcare.ca • 604-985-6881

1863 Marine Drive, West Vancouver www.AdvancedMedicalBC.ca | 604-912-0106 Sales • Rentals • Repairs • Installations

north shore news nsnews.com

WEDNESDAY, MAY 11, 2022

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May is CAREGIVER APPRECIATION MONTH SPOTLIGHT ON CAREGIVERS

Helping your loved ones age at-home It is the overwhelming preference of older adults around the world to be able to remain at home as they age. While families will typically do their best to make that happen, there can be a lot of stress put on those caring for an aging parent while also trying to balance personal and professional obligations. Home Instead provides

SPOTLIGHT ON CAREGIVERS

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trustworthy, kindhearted, senior home care services that can help families restore balance to their lives and help aging loved ones remain at home.

Our services include activities of daily living such as companionship, basic personal care, meal preparation, light housekeeping, and assistance with errands and appointments.

Home care provides support for family caregivers, whether it be respite care for a few hours a day, around-the-clock care, or anything in between.

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We believe in a connected and caring community.

Looking after a family member or friend can be rewarding, challenging, and tiring at times.

Family Services of the North Shore wants to help you maintain your health while you care for your loved one. Experienced volunteers can provide weekly supportive

phone calls to check-in how you are doing, listen to whatever is on your mind, discuss issues of concern, and help you make time to focus on you. They will also help you access resources such as the caregivers support group and workshops at community partner locations.

If you would like to know more about having a volunteer phone you or other services for caregivers, contact Robin Rivers at rivers@ familyservices.bc.ca or call 604-988-5281 ext. 354.

For more information, visit homeinstead.ca to find a care professional near you.

North Shore and Downtown please call 604-925-1570

Do you have a for helping others?

Join our team today.

Are you caring for a family member or friend who is a senior?

Home Instead® helps older adults age safely in the place they enjoy most. We are seeking compassionate CAREGivers to help in our community.

We offer free support, connection, resources and information

Apply today!

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Call 604-925-1570 or visit homeinstead.ca/3022 for more information or to apply online.

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Strategies to stay healthy Inspiring workshops Caregiver support groups Weekly supportive phone calls Porch visits and walking companions Counselling with a Registered Clinical Counsellor

Contact Robin Rivers at rivers@familyservices.bc.ca or call 604-988-5281 ext 354.

For more details, visit www.familyservices.bc.ca

Royal Duchess Elder Care Ltd dba. Home Instead - Vancouver & North Shore Each Home Instead® franchise is independently owned and operated. © 2022 Home Instead, Inc.

@familyservicesofthenorthshore

@fsnorthshore

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north shore news nsnews.com

WEDNESDAY, MAY 11, 2022

May is CAREGIVER APPRECIATION MONTH

My Caregiving Journey

by Catherine B. SPOTLIGHT ON CAREGIVERS

SPONSORED CONTENT

6 Ways caregivers can manage anxiety Caring for someone you love is a rewarding experience, but it can also be stressful. In addition to keeping up with multiple responsibilities throughout the day, you may also worry about the future or making a mistake. All of this stress could add up to a major case of anxiety. When you find yourself ruminating on your worries,

try using these six tips to get your caregiver anxiety under control.

1. Handle what you can control 2. Set a designated worrying time 3. Seek answers to your concerns 4. Take care of your physical health 5. Focus on the present moment 6. Know when to seek professional support If you’re overwhelmed by your caregiving responsibilities, remember you don’t have to manage everything all on your own. Though some families choose to take on the caregiving duties, there may come a time when they need a trusted in-home care provider. Home Care Assistance can be your trusted partner in caregiving for your aging loved one.

To hire a dedicated caregiver, call us at 778-279-3634 today.

AS TOLD TO NORTH SHORE COMMUNITY RESOURCES:

What has been your journey into caregiving?

My journey began 23 years ago when I was only 34. At that time, I lived at home (still do) and cared for my parents, who are retired professors.

Caregiving involved things like housework, yard work, pet care, and the like—but after my mother became severely ill with cancer my work became more intense. My mother passed away two years ago, and now it’s just my dad and me. My dad is in remarkably good shape, for his age (he turns 90 in May of this year.)

What do you feel are some benefits to attending a caregiver group?

I think the biggest benefit (for me) is that all of us caregivers are on different stages of the caregiver journey. I can help someone just beginning the journey, or else, I can see a larger perspective of someone who has already been through it to the other side. We can help each other. The other thing is that I know that no matter what I am going through, or how hard it is, I’m never alone. That’s huge, frankly. I mean, really. Like, lifesaving huge. How can I ever thank NSCR enough for that? Honestly, you guys do an invaluable service to the community.

provide support to family caregivers, who contribute over $25 billion to the health care system in unpaid labour. An awful lot of us find ourselves in this role in our country - in fact one in four. I enjoy sharing information about resources and access to information. It gives me a great deal of satisfaction to know that I am of service to others.

How do you take care of yourself?

First, I try and ensure adequate sleep and rest.

Although difficulties with sleep is an issue, I find that if I stay physically active (such as gardening), and am busy during the day, I sleep better. I like to go out and get fresh air and try to embrace life, in all its beauty and, I regret to say, ugliness. Take the good with the bad. Accept life on life’s terms. I also paint, I sculpt, I enjoy knitting and crocheting, and of course, I write, whenever I can. I need some fun in my life, some balance. Beauty is important to me. I used to live in Europe and I loved to visit all the old churches. Here it’s more like natural beauty— but that can be nurturing too, in a spiritual way.

Spiritual sustenance. I’m from Ontario originally and I find that living out West is an entirely unique experience—very different, not better or worse—just different. different.

Tell us about your weekly blog on caregiving (that we post through NSCR).

What do you enjoy the most about doing it?

Firstly, let me begin by sharing the link to the blog: https://northvancaregivers.wordpress.com … and say that I am delighted to volunteer my time in this role (since 2014), and that this is a very timely interview as April 24-30 is National Volunteer Week in Canada. I’m honoured to have the opportunity to share my knowledge about this fascinating topic—eldercare. Never more in Canada has it been more crucial to

Catherine with her father Dr. David Bryson and her (late) mother Dr. Anne Gilmour-Bryson For more information on NSCR’s support groups, workshops and to sign up for the Grapevine newsletter, please contact: vic.gailiunas@nscr.ca or call 604-982-3320.

T H A N K YO U

to all of the dedicated, brave, and selfless Caregivers, Doctors, Nurses, Hospital Staff, and Nursing Home Staff who have gone above and beyond during this difficult time. cd

We appreciate you.

FOR MORE MORE THAN THAN 84 83 YEARS. YEARS, FOR

we’ve proudly served North Shore families with personal, compassionate care. Thank you for continuing to place your trust in us—now and always.

HOUSEKEEPING • COMPANIONSHIP • PERSONAL CARE • ERRANDS • RIDES

(604) 998.8806

northandwestvan@comfortkeepers.ca | Comfortkeepers.ca/NorthandWestVancouver

HOLLYBURN Funeral Home 1807 Marine Dr., West Vancouver, BC V7V 1J7

604-922-1221

HollyburnFunerals.com

A division of Service Corporation International (Canada) ULC.

THANK YOU to all caregivers for your tireless support of those in need.