With the rapid increase in seniors and changes in the delivery of health care, elder care is the new “crisis” for our health care system and consequently, family caregivers. As first line defenders, unpaid caregivers (family and friends) provide upwards of 80 per cent of all caregiving tasks required by seniors. This can include daily check-ins, personal care, household management, transportation, going to medical appointments and end of life care.
But family caregivers taking on the brunt of the care aren’t being supported and protected from a role that can take its own toll on their overall health and well-being.
Wendy Johnstone of Keystone Eldercare Solutions and Amy Englemark, of Amy Englemark Coaching, are teaming up to offer “60 Days to a Confident Caregiver.” The eight-week program is designed for family caregivers who are looking for support and strategies to not only manage the nuts and bolts of being a caregiver but to explore and apply ways to put their well-being at the top of list.
Johnstone and Englemark are offering a free introduction session to the public on Monday Jan. 25 from 6:30-8 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the lawn bowling building in Bill Moore Park located at 23rd Street and Kilpatrick Ave. in Courtenay. For more information or to register, call 250-650-2359.