Caregiver is a non-remunerated family member or friend who cares for a senior with a physical or cognitive impairment or mental health problem. Is also the primary resource for supporting dependent seniors at home.

Services

The Caregiver Support Centre responds to the needs of caregivers and provides support in their daily living. The Centre offers direct and easy access to services, a flexible and varied type of response, and encourages the active participation of caregivers in its operation, decision-making process and in a wide variety of activities. Students and volunteers play a vital role in the Centre. The Caregiver Support Centre is a ‘cutting-edge’ program composed of numerous direct services described below:

• The Drop-In Program provides caregivers with respite by organizing activities for care-receivers who have a physical and/or cognitive impairment or mental health issue. Seniors suffering from a loss of autonomy who would otherwise remain isolated in their homes benefit from group activities that are tailored to their individual needs. These activities are conducted by trained staff, students, and volunteers. The unique characteristics of this program include:
  • A philosophy that provides caregivers with free time according to their schedule and their need for respite;
  • A flexible schedule that permits caregivers to utilize from 1-4 hours of respite according to their schedule;
  • Innovative group programming designed to provide cognitive, physical and creative stimulation (i.e. arts & crafts, music therapy, intergenerational programming, holiday parties, etc.);
  • Caregivers can receive support and information.
    
    
• The In-Home Stimulation Program is available to seniors or disabled adults who are isolated and confined to their homes. Volunteers and students, trained and supervised by a professional, offer a variety of in-home physical and recreational activities on a one to one basis. Activities are tailor made to individual interests and levels of functioning.

The newest program within the In-Home Stimulation Program offers training to caregivers to help them interact with the care-receiver in a new, creative way and opens the door for the client and caregiver to relate to one another on a different level, distinct from the daily concrete tasks involved in caregiving. Caregivers will be equipped to provide ongoing stimulation on a long-term basis. The In-Home Stimulation Program Building Project is a group stimulation program organized for residents in buildings that are highly populated with seniors. The groups focus on enhancing individual socialisation, promoting neighbourly contact (buddy systems) and encouraging stimulating activities.

• The Foyer Program offers caregivers information, education and support from trained volunteers who are themselves caregivers. Caregivers can take part in daily or weekly programs, such as support groups, workshops, conferences, information sessions, as well as access a documentation centre with information on disease, coping strategies and resources. Additional programs, such as conferences and advocacy activities, are also planned to promote the rights of caregivers.
  
  
• The Short Term Counselling Program provides a 6-10 week counselling program for caregivers with a focus on coping skills, stress management, limit setting and links with respite and support programs. The program is under the responsibility of a social worker with an expertise in caregiving issues. In addition to the implementation of therapeutic models of intervention, the social worker is responsible for evaluating caregivers, and assessing their needs for services in order to make appropriate referrals.
  
  
• Care-ring Voice is a free, bilingual and confidential program that connects caregivers and families to information and support through the use of teleconferencing. Through workshops by telephone on a range of  topics related to life changes, caregivers benefit from an opportunity to learn from the healthcare professionals who lead the workshops and a chance to share with others in similar situations. Call 514-485-7374 or 1-866-396-2433 or consult the website at www.careringvoice.com