Vancouver Coastal Health delivers quality health services to the people and communities we serve. Read more...
A “caregiver” is anyone who provides unpaid care and support at home, in the community or in a care facility to an adult friend or family member who is living with a disability, chronically ill, elderly or palliative.
About 85% of people provide care for loved ones at some point in their lives. Some people take care of a relative for a few weeks or months following an acute illness or surgery, while others provide care on a daily-basis for someone with a chronic condition. Family and friend caregivers offer a range of support, from physical care to personal care, emotional and social support, meal planning, transportation, and linking with health and community services.
In Canada, unpaid caregivers’ contributions would cost the health care system billions annually if delivered by a paid workforce. In addition, many caregivers are employed, and the challenges of caregiving can lead to greater stress, absenteeism, and decreased concentration on the job. Family and friend caregivers, often women, sometimes must leave jobs, reduce the amount of time they work, or pass up career opportunities.
The Vancouver Coastal Health Caregiver Support Program acknowledges and addresses the five key elements to sustaining family and friend caregivers:
The program offers the following programs and services to support family and friend caregivers: Education Series and workshops; support groups; telephone support; information and referral to healthcare and community resources; annual caregiver forum; and Caregiver Times quarterly newsletter. All services are free.
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