Please see the below upcoming workshops to learn about issues and provide support for family caregivers.
When: Monday, Sept. 27, 2010 6:30-8:00PM
What: Are you finding it a challenge to support an aging parent who you see is failing, but resists
accepting help? Do you struggle to find a balance between their independence and your own
anxiety over how they are managing? This workshop will help you to strategize ways for
providing assistance to your aging parents, while at the same time helping you deal with the
frustrations inherent in this caregiving process.
Facilitator: Maureen Grant, Community Social Worker, Quick Response Team, Home and
Community Care, VIHA
How: Register by phone 1-866-396-2433
When: August 12th, Sept. 2nd, Oct. 14th & Nov. 4th, 2010
What: Come learn and practice new relaxation and stress reduction techniques that are easy to
do and always accessible to you in the comfort of your own home. A variety of breathing
techniques, visualization practices, and elements of meditation and alternative practices
are introduced to help improve mind-body awareness and quiet the mind. Exercises are
suitable for all levels of physical activity, and no previous experience required. Facilitated by Janice Masur (Retired Physiotherapist)
Where: Raven Song Community Health Centre 2450 Ontario Street, Vancouver
To register, please contact the VCH Caregiver Support Program: Tel. 604-877-4699 or E-mail: caregiversupport@vch.ca
When: Thursday, Oct. 14, 2010 6:30 - 8:00 PM
What: When a family member becomes ill or disabled, dynamics in the whole family can change
significantly. Each family member brings their own unique history within the family and their own
feeling and reactions to the new situation. These differences can lead to conflict among family
members especially when making decisions or choices about caregiving. This tele-workshop will
help you understand how family dynamics (both past and present) can impact caregiving and you
will learn practical tips for dealing with problematic interactions between family members. Specific issues such as changing family roles and "grudges" within the family will be addressed. You will also explore how to create healthier communication within the family with the goal of providing the best possible care and support for your ill or disabled family member.
Facilitator: Allison Reeves, M.A., Registered Clinical Counsellor
How: Register by phone 1-866-396-2433
When: Wednesday, Nov. 17, 2010 6:30 - 8:00 PM
What: The caregiving situation can become challenging for everyone involved. One of the most difficult challenges is when the "nasties" arrive. The "nasties" are those behaviours and attitudes that are distasteful, irritating or downright mean. They can arrive because of the care recipient's physical and/or mental condition, such as pain, dementia or loss of social inhibitions. If you have run into the "nasties" in your role as caregiver, this tele-workshop is for you. Together with others who are experiencing similar difficulties and frustrations, you will learn specific and concrete strategies for dealing with the "nasties".
Facilitator: Allison Reeves, M.A., Registered Clinical Counsellor
How: Register by phone 1-866-396-2433
When: Saturday, Nov. 27, 2010 9:30 AM - 12:30 PM
What: This workshop brings to light how to be still when the world around you is churning. For your mental and physical health it is important to learn how to be there for the people you are providing care for while not experiencing their level of distress. Although their distress is real, it is important for you to not be swept away by their significant and unpredictable shifts in moods or behaviour.
Facilitator: Allison Reeves, M.A., Registered Clinical Counsellor
Where: Canadian Cancer Society, Vancouver Island Lodge, 2202 Richmond Road Victoria
How: $25.00 for FCNS members $30.00 for non-members Limited seating. Please register by Nov. 22nd. Register by calling FCNS at 250-384-0405.