I have been concerned that a crisis was coming as Baby Boomers age, and the number of caregivers decreases. This past week I realized that the crisis is already here.
While the COVID -19 Crisis unfolds, family caregivers in several provinces have received messages that help funded by the government and provided by Personal Support Workers (AKA Health Care Assistants, Continuing Care Assistants etc) is being reduced. Apparently the government is only going to provide the “essential services”. I have heard of these cuts over the years, and wondered, how many times “essential” can be cut! Tell me, what is essential?
Does “essential” include support for: brushing teeth? personal care? meal prep and assistance? reminders to take medications? support to take medications? bathing? changing of bed linens? bed bath? Tell me, what does “essential” include?
My heart goes out to family caregivers (family as defined by the person and including friends and adopted family). I think of frail elderly caregivers taking care of each other. Often it is not clear who is more fragile. And too often, caregiving itself exacerbates other conditions.
Here are a few of my favorite resources –
Websites:
A few of my favorites for family caregivers include:
Canadian Virtual Hospice. I just checked out their series of videos for family caregivers, titled, “Caregiving Demonstrations” Excellent series. In addition, they have resources for people who are ill and for professionals.
Family Caregivers of BC – another one of my all time favorites. A wonderful resource for families to connect with. A multitude of resources, and a great place to volunteer!
Life and Death Matters – Family caregivers have contacted us to express appreciation for our resources, and how the books and videos helped them to care for their loved ones.
I spent the last week in the hospital at my mother-in-law’s bedside as she struggled to die. Your Essentials text played an important role in being with her. Lacking any palliative support, none of us had any idea of what to expect as she marched toward death. I shared with the extended family your Essentials text and they took turns devouring the information in it. They were full of praise for its readability and the understandings it gave them. “Amazing” was the word they used. What they learned from that text enabled them to be with R. during her decline without undue alarm…
It was a tremendous privilege to accompany R. in her last days.
AO
Check out the Life and Death Matters site for the texts, podcasts, videos, including the free resources.
In addition to resources that offer information and support, there is value in sites that help the community link their ability to help with the needs expressed by the individual.
Lotsa Helping Hands – helps you to organize help for someone in need. Even in this time of social distancing, or especially in this time of social distancing, this can be a useful tool!
What are your favorite resources? Where do you turn for information? Where do you refer people to? Please share your thoughts. Message me directly if you are shy and concerned about posting publicly.
