Caregiver Support Program

Gather your friends and get reading

Our program offers support to caregivers so you can maintain your own resilience, health and well-being.

Stepping into a caregiving role is often a life-altering experience. Caregiving takes courage, patience, and endurance. It can be a challenging and lonely role.

Fortunately, you are not alone. North Shore Community Resources’ Caregiver Support Program, is here to help you gain knowledge, strength, and inspiration that allows you to connect with other caregivers. Our Caregiver Support Program hosts support groups and workshops, one-on-one consultations in person, by telephone and online as well as referrals to health care and community services. We offer stress management strategies and relaxation techniques, informative blog posts, a resource library, and a bi-monthly newsletter.

NCSR and the North Shore News are hosting the 5th Annual Caregiver & Senior Expo on May 13, 12-4pm at Silver Harbour Senior Centre with guest speakers and many North Shore agencies offering helpful resources:

We also offer our Caregiver Coach and Peer Facilitator service* which focuses more on 1-1 support for caregivers. If you are interested in becoming a caregiver coach and/or peer facilitator to host support/education groups, please contact us.

*We are grateful for the amazing response of volunteers to the Caregiver Coach and Peer Facilitator Program. New applications for the Caregiver Coach and Peer Facilitator Program are on hold until further notice. However, if you are interested in finding out about other ways to volunteer with the Caregiver Support Program, please contact Vic Gailiunas, Program Coordinator, Caregiver Support Program: [email protected]

All of our services are free and confidential. We are here to support you on your caregiving journey.

WOMAN WITH CANE SITTING IN CAR

This group was a lifesaver. It helped me find more supports for my care partner as well, like tips for talking to her doctor that taught me about what I’m about to do and what I’m not. Coming to the group is a way to feel part of the village.

Caregiver Support Client

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I register for the program and is there a cost?

Registration is free and your personal information will remain confidential. To register, please fill our registration form and return it to [email protected]

Where are the support group meetings held?

Currently, some of our support groups are held on Zoom. You can join our Zoom meetings using your desktop computer, tablet, smartphone, or landline. We will send you an invitation to the meetings via email roughly one week prior to the meeting. This email will include the date and time of the meeting, the meeting ID number and password, as well as instructions for joining the meeting using your telephone. For in-person meetings in our Community Room, Covid-19 protocols are still in place (masks, proof of vaccination) and we will also send out reminders. To check on the status of a meeting, please contact the Program Coordinator.

What can I expect at a support group meeting?

Our caregiver support group offers a space where you can connect with other caregivers who can relate to what you are going through. At the beginning of each meeting, participants are encouraged (though not obligated) to share their caregiving experiences with the group. The second half of the meeting is devoted to various topics and resources related to caregiving, peer support, and discussing strategies for caregiver challenges.

Contact

For more information about the Caregiver Support Program, contact:
Vic Gailiunas, Caregiver Support Coordinator
Direct Line: 604-982-3320
Email: [email protected]

Updates

Call to Creatives!

Do you write, paint, draw, take photographs, write poetry, knit or have a great recipe to share? We would love to feature you and what you do on our blog or in The Grapevine, our newsletter for the caregiver community. If you’re interested in sharing your story, we would love to hear it. Please contact Vic Gailiunas, Caregiver Support Coordinator.

Resources

Caregiver Intake Profile

Read the North Van Caregivers blog here.

If you would like to sign up to The Grapevine, NSCR’s newsletter for the caregiver community, email [email protected]

To view the Seniors Directory, a helpful resource guide for services and programs available for seniors, click here.

For regular updates on events, strategies, and workshops, follow us on social media.

Facebook/Twitter/Instagram: @NSCRConnect

For general information about Support Groups and Social Support visit HealthLink BC, click here.

Thank You

NSCR’s Caregiver Support Program is made possible by Vancouver Coastal Health’s Smart Fund and funding from New Horizons for Seniors and by charitable donors like you.